EPSRC PhD Research Studentship: Advanced Modelling/Simulation of Forest
Development.
Keele University, Staffordshire, U.K. (www.keele.ac.uk)
School of Physical & Geographical Sciences and School of Life Sciences
Closing Date: 1st May 2009
A three-year, full-time, PhD studentship jointly funded by EPSRC and the
EPSAM Research Institute (Keele University) is available to start in
Summer 2009 (start date negotiable). The studentship includes a full
stipend (approximately £13,000 per year), fieldwork expenses and all
fees paid at current UK/EU rates. Please note that, due to funding
restrictions, the studentship is only open to UK nationals and EU citizens.
The project will involve the development of new numerical
modelling/simulation tools for the characterisation and evaluation of
forest growth. Current models are generally restricted to forest-level
approaches with little capacity for the inclusion of temporal changes in
climate, the effect of natural disturbance (wind, disease, etc),
local-scale spatial variations in the sub-surface environment (e.g.,
near-surface geology, hydrology, etc) or the complex spatial structure
of a stand of trees. These factors can have a significant influence on
forest dynamics and development (e.g., tree mortality, growth and yield)
and, therefore, the aim of the studentship is to create a more
sophisticated, advanced numerical modelling scheme that is capable of
including these localised effects in a generic, practical way. As part
of the project, non-invasive geophysical methods (such as
ground-penetrating radar) will be used to assess, characterise and
monitor the near-surface temporal/spatial variations in order to provide
realistic and validated inputs into the locally adaptable models.
The successful candidate will work with Dr Sarah Taylor and Dr Peter
Thomas in the School of Life Sciences and Dr Nigel Cassidy in the School
of Physical and Geographic Sciences. There will also be the opportunity
to collaborate with Dr Barry Gardiner of Forest Research.
Applicants should have a good first degree (i.e., a 2:1 or 1st class
Honours degree or its equivalent) and/or a Masters degree in a relevant
discipline (e.g., Physical/Natural Sciences), possess good
mathematical/numerical skills and, ideally, have programming experience
with high-level languages such as Matlab, Java and/or C++. Training
will be provided in the use, processing and interpretation of the
geophysical techniques.
For an informal discussion about the studentship, contact Dr Nigel
Cassidy ([log in to unmask]) or Dr Sarah L. Taylor
([log in to unmask]) For administrative enquiries, please
contact Shirley Courthold ([log in to unmask] or 01782
733175).
Full details of the project, funding and application procedures can be
found at http://www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/funding/keelefunding.htm
under reference code: EPSAM 2008-04.
Closing Date: 1st May 2009
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