PhD Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Industrial Landscapes

EURAXESS Ireland; Limerick; Híbrido; EUR 23.000 - 28.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

University of Limerick invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services in industrial landscapes. The project combines ecological field surveys with experimental land management to improve biodiversity, soil function and carbon storage while supporting site operations.

Based at the University of Limerick and conducted in collaboration with industry partners, the PhD offers training in ecology, biodiversity monitoring, GIS and

Formación

• A Master's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Natural Resource Management, or a related discipline, or a Bachelor's degree with evidence of relevant field research experience.
• An interest in biodiversity assessment, ecological restoration, ecosystem services or environmental management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Conocimientos

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Educación

Master's degree in Ecology

Bachelor's with field research experience

Herramientas

GIS

Remote sensing

Statistical analysis

Ecological field surveys

Environmental monitoring

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company University of Limerick Department Biological Sciences Research Field Environmental science » Ecology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 8 Nov 2026 - 12:30 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Other Type of Contract Extra Information PhD Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

This PhD will investigate how biodiversity and selected ecosystem services can be enhanced within industrial landscapes through evidence-based land management. Combining ecological field surveys with experimental management interventions, the project will identify practical strategies for improving biodiversity, soil function and carbon storage while supporting operational land-use requirements. The research will ultimately develop support tools to prioritise ecological enhancement across industrial sites.

The PhD will be based at the University of Limerick and undertaken in collaboration with industry partners.

Research Focus

Industrial sites often contain extensive green spaces with considerable potential for ecological enhancement. This project will examine how targeted land management can realise this potential .

The research will address three key questions:

• How do existing habitats and management practices influence biodiversity and ecosystem services?
• Which management interventions can improve these outcomes?
• Where should interventions be prioritised across the site to maximise ecological benefit?

Working in collaboration with industry partners, the PhD candidate will evaluate current land management approaches and investigate opportunities for targeted ecological enhancements. The findings will support the development of practical recommendations to help organisations enhance biodiversity and environmental performance while maintaining site functionality.

The project offers training and experience in ecology, biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem service assessment, and GIS, providing strong opportunities for both scientific publication and real-world impact.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with an interest in ecology, biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable land management.

Applicants should have:

• A Master's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Natural Resource Management, or a related discipline, or a Bachelor's degree with evidence of relevant field research experience.
• An interest in biodiversity assessment, ecological restoration, ecosystem services or environmental management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• A full driving licence is desirable, as the project will involve fieldwork and travel to industrial partner sites.

Experience with ecological field surveys, GIS, statistical analysis, remote sensing or environmental monitoring would be advantageous but is not essential, as training will be provided.

This is a fully funded PhD studentship for a period of four years. The funding package includes:

• An annual stipend of €25,000 (tax-free, subject to eligibility criteria).
• Full tuition EU fees for the duration of the programme.
• Support for approved research, training and conference activities.