Industrial CASE PhD Studentship
IACR and De Sangosse UK
Modelling the spatio-temporal distribution of slugs for scenarios of
climate change
Applications are invited from UK and EU citizens (EU citizens are eligible
for tuition fees only) for a BBSRC funded PhD studentship available from 1
October 2002 to study modelling the spatio-temporal distribution of slugs
for scenarios of climate change.
The student will back-cast the model for the last 30 years, using observed
climate data for different geographical regions, and in the absence of hard
slug data use data for the sales of molluscicide (by region) to validate
the model output. In the process, the student will have to develop a simple
model for farmer behaviour for the uptake of molluscide use; in essence how
farmers increasingly use chemicals having experienced slug problems. The
next stage of the project will be to use scaling-up techniques and climate
change scenarios to forecast where and when slug damage is likely to occur
and the likely usage, and change in farmer behaviour, of molluscicide.
Finally, for different “what-if” scenarios of application, the student will
analyse the effects of climate change on slug population dynamics.
The successful candidate will be mainly based at IACR-Rothamsted,
Harpenden, Herts, but will also include a period of time at the industrial
location, which is De Sangosse, Romsey, U.K. An annual stipend of £11,500
will be payable.
Informal enquiries welcome to Dr. David Bohan by email:
[log in to unmask], or on 01582 763133 x 2335..
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to Dr David Bohan,
Plant and Invertebrate Ecology Division, IACR-Rothamsted, Harpenden, Herts,
AL5 2JQ. Closing date 30 July 2002. Ref 614.
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