Biogenic trace gas production by seaweeds: exploring the impacts of worldwide aquaculture expansion (MALIN_UENV18EE)
Please read the recruitment introduction http://www.enveast.ac.uk/projects/recruitment-introduction for more information about eligibility, how to apply, and possibilities for further funding.
If you meet the residency requirements but are not a native English speaker please also check the English language requirements https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements.
Project Supervisor: Dr. Gill Malin http://www.uea.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/people/profile/g-malin
University of East Anglia (UEA) – School of Environmental Sciences
Other supervisors:
– Professor Bill Sturges (UEA)
– Dr. Emma Elvidge (UEA)
– Dr Michael Cunliffe (Marine Biological Association of the UK)
– Professor Siew Moi Phang (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur)
Deadline for nominating a candidate: Friday 9 February 2018, noon. Apply as soon as possible!
Interviews: 12 February 2018 (UEA)
Project description
Scientific Background
Seaweeds are major components of coastal ecosystems worldwide. Alongside microalgae, they provide essential ecosystem services including using carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Our research shows they are also remarkable producers of trace gases that contain halogens (Br, Cl and/or I) or sulphur. Such gases are important for global biogeochemical cycles, chemical reactions in the atmosphere, cloud formation and climate.
This PhD is an exciting opportunity to advance understanding of trace gas production by seaweeds, today and in the future. With climate changing and the population increasing, demand for food, fuel, feed and other products are increasing pressure on marine resources. Seaweed production has increased 20-fold since 1970 and has helped people escape poverty in disadvantaged coastal areas. Your challenge is to investigate whether trace gases from worldwide expansion of seaweed farming could have important consequences for the climate.
Objectives
• Use gas chromatography mass spectrometry to examine trace gas production for a range of lab-grown or field-collected temperate and tropical seaweeds.
• Experimentally determine how current and future conditions (light, temperature, nutrients, CO2,) influence seaweed trace gas production.
• Investigate whether seaweed-derived organics and sea surface microlayer bacteria reduce trace gases emissions.
• Explore future scenarios for seaweed aquaculture in terms of environmental impacts and the positive social contexts for aquaculture. Could low trace gas/strong microlayer seaweeds be selected to reduce emissions?
Supervisory team
Based at the University of East Anglia (Dr Gill Malin, Prof Bill Sturges, Dr Emma Elvidge), this studentship will include travel/research opportunities with co-supervisors Prof Siew Moi Phang (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur) and Dr Michael Cunliffe (Marine Biological Association, Plymouth). We are a strong multidisciplinary team with excellent track records for research on algae, trace gases and microlayers.
Training
You will develop advanced lab and field research skills plus transferable skills to help in your future career.
Funding
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the EnvEast NERC Doctoral Training Partnership, comprising the Universities of East Anglia, Essex and Kent, with twenty other research partners.
Successful candidates who meet RCUK’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship. In most cases, UK and EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for 3 years are eligible for a full award. In 2018/19, the stipend will be £14,777.
Candidate Profile
This project would suit a self-motivated student, with a good experimental skills and practical ingenuity. Relevant analytical skills and an appreciation of algae would be ideal. You should have/anticipate at least a 2i BSc and/or an MRes or MSc in the Biological, Chemical or Environmental Sciences.
If you are interested please apply as soon as you possibly can so that we can consider your application, arrange a pre-interview etc. Applications must be made via https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply Contact Gill Malin by email g.malin@uea.ac.uk or phone 01603 592531 (leave your contact number if you get my answerphone) if you wish to discuss the project ahead of making an application. Our absolute deadline for nominating a candidate is mid-day Friday 9th February 2018. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed at UEA (Norwich, UK) in person on 12 February 2018.
Source: MARINE-B, the MArine Research Information NEtwork on Biodiversity
secretariat@marinestations.org 
-31-113-577484 (577300) 
