Newcastle University, in conjunction with Cefas and Oceanographers from Exeter University, is offering an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to apply for an interdisciplinary PhD in Oceanography/Marine Heatwaves/Social science.
The project
The aim of the project to explore the degree to which Citizen Science can contribute to greater understanding of marine systems. Research will be conducted in three environments at the threshold of ecological temperature tolerance, and heightened vulnerability to impacts of rising sea temperatures. Regional variation in coral mortality is affected by local differences in physical parameters, with daily variations ranging from 0.5 °C to >5 °C on shallow reefs. Micro-level data are essential to monitor ambient temperature variation, and that provided by dive computers are not limited to nominal depths (e.g. satellite SST) or a fixed depth (in situ sensor). Time series dive computer data from highly dived areas, will be collated to support monitoring of important coral systems. Relationships between such data and citizen science estimates of ecological degradation will be explored. Depending on interests and expertise of the successful candidate, the PhD project can focus on the experiential journey of the participants and the benefits they derive from engaging with this research.
More information
The project is part of the One Planet Doctoral Training Partnerships. For more information, and for support in completing the application, please contact Dr Jane Delany of Newcastle University: jane.delany@ncl.ac.uk Further information can also be found on the One Planet project website.
The deadline for application is 16 January 2023.