Nature-Based Solutions for Plastic Retention in rivers|PhD Scholarship

Thewaternetwork; Lisboa; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Thewaternetwork is offering a PhD studentship in Lisbon focused on nature-based solutions for enhancing plastic retention in rivers. The studentship is part of the Interreg Atlantic project aiming to reduce aquatic plastic pollution.

Candidates will engage in laboratory and field experiments, investigate the interactions of plastic with vegetation, and analyze ecological impacts to promote large-scale implementation of solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting laboratory and field experiments.
• Knowledge of nature-based solutions and ecological impacts.
• Ability to co-design interventions with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Investigate plastic interactions with vegetation.
• Design and test NbS configurations.
• Conduct field trials and analyze performance.
• Analysing performance and ecological impacts to guide large-scale implementation

Education

PhD studentship

Job description

Nature-Based Solutions for Plastic Retention in rivers|PhD Scholarship

Application is open for a PhD studentship at IST-ID (Lisbon) in the scope of an Interreg Atlantic project, TRAP – Transforming Rivers by Reducing Aquatic Plastic Pollution.

The PhD will explore nature-based solutions (NbS) to enhance plastic retention in rivers and estuaries, combining laboratory and field experiments. Work will include:

• Investigating plastic interactions with vegetation and natural/built morphological features;
• Designing and testing NbS configurations under varying hydraulic conditions;
• Conducting field trials and co-designing interventions with local stakeholders;
• Analysing performance and ecological impacts to guide large-scale implementation;

Research Studentships (for PhD students) - (BL234/2025-IST-ID)

Applications are open for one Research Studentship within the framework of project EAPA 0122 2024 TRAP Transforming Rivers by Reducing Aquatic Plastic Pollution.