Applicants should have (or expect to receive) a 2:1 or above in a suitable science based discipline (e.g. biology, environmental science, geography, mathematics, physics or related disciplines); Proficiency in oral and written English; A high level of computer literacy; Ability to organise and meet deadlines; Good interpersonal skills; Ability to work independently and contribute to a team; Commitment and an enthusiastic approach to completing a higher research degree.
Desirable:
Education to Masters Degree level in a suitable science based discipline; Experience in palynology or the use of light microscopes; Applicants should have the capacity to interpret data and develop forecast models; The ability to combine different aspects of aerobiological research (e.g. emission sources and dispersion), and be capable of using a variety of aerobiological measurement techniques
It is an expectation that the successful candidate will participate fully in the activities of the Institute of and gain additional experience in the teaching and research environment of the University.
www.worcester.ac.uk/research/studentships
Facilities: This research studentship is fully funded by the University of Worcester (UK). During your time at Worcester, you will be provided with your own computer and an office space, which you will normally share with other full-time research students. Your office will normally be located in the Graduate Research School or your Institute.
The NPARU is a designated research centre of the University of Worcester. Its work spans a wide range of academic aspects including air quality and health, pollen monitoring and forecasts and respiratory allergies. It has earned a national and international reputation for expertise, innovation and excellence in aerobiology. The NPARU is unique in the UK for its combination of expertise in allergens, aerobiology, air quality and medical knowledge.
Website: http://www.pollenuk.co.uk/
Candidates will be expected to have suitable academic qualifications but additional specialised training will be available as required. In addition to the usual programme of research training the student would be instructed in the following as required depending on their previous knowledge: aerobiological monitoring techniques, microscopy, fungal spore identification, mycology and statistics. These topics could be covered by UW or external courses would be arranged. For instance, much of the expertise required for producing the statistical models is available from NPARU but the successful student will have an expenses budget that can be used to attend external courses in different statistical methods. Training in fungal spore identification can also be carried out at the NPARU.
Bursary: You will receive a tax free bursary of L12,300 for a period of 3 years plus an expenses budget. Fees will be paid in full at the UK/EU rate for home and EU citizens.
The Interview: The interview will provisionally be held at the University of Worcester. All successful applicants will be interviewed. The interview normally lasts around 3 hours in total and includes a meeting with the project supervisor(s), a chance to talk to some of our full-time students and an opportunity to view the campus and Institutional facilities. You will be asked to present the supervisory team with an example of your written work (e.g. an independent study/assignment) at the interview.
Widening Participation: As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening participation for its higher degrees. Although most candidates will have an undergraduate and/or a Masters degree, the University is happy to accept applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work related experience.
Application forms are available at: http://www.worc.ac.uk/research/studentships
For further information or an informal discussion on this project, please contact (@worc.ac.uk)
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Mrs Helen Tabinor, Graduate Research School Manager (tel: 01905 855012, email: h.tabinor@worc.ac.uk).
Completed application forms should be sent by email to: research@worc.ac.uk
research@worc.ac.uk or sent to: Graduate Research School, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK
Closing date: 20th May 2010
PhD Studentships - University of Worcester, UK
