Wildfire naturally drives biodiversity patterns globally through heterogeneous disturbance regimes (Kelly & Brotons 2017), but there is growing evidence that climate change (and a range of other factors) is increasing wildfire frequency and severity in many parts of the world (Flannigan et al. 2013). There is concern that some ecosystems may become less resilient to wildfire perturbations as the frequency of events increases (Banza et al. 2019), but data is lacking for this to be tested empirically.
This project will examine the response of biodiversity to a recent major wildfire in the Killarney National Park, Ireland, which significantly affected >2000ha of bog/heath and woodland habitats. Specifically, it will develop network theory to investigate assembly rules post-fire, with a focus on plant-pollinator,ecology and seed dispersal networks. As part of a large team of ecologists, National Park staff, academics and other stakeholders, the student will help generate, and benefit from, plant and animal interaction data collected in a fully replicated, landscape-scale study – combining fieldwork and theory to test predictions.
100% of Home tuition fees paid and annual living expenses of £16,062. Also significant additional funding to cover research costs and local, national and international travel (conferences and exchanges). Successful international candidates will be required to make up the difference between the home fees and international fees
Number of Awards
Application Closing Date
10 June 2022
National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland and School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University
Prof. Darren Evans (Newcastle University), Dr. Kilian Kelly (Munster
Technical University) & Dr. Kendrew Colhoun (KRC Ecological Ltd).
The successful candidate will have a BSc in Biology, ecology or related subject
(1st/2:1 degree, essential) and an MSc in Ecology or related subject (desirable). Fieldwork experience of plant and animal communities, including taxonomic identification, is essential as the student will be based at Killarney National Park for prolonged periods. Experience of
DNA-based identification, Next Generation Sequencing/bioinformatics is beneficial, but not essential as training will be provided. International students are encouraged to apply. See Newcastle University website for English language requirements .
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system .
You will need to:
- Insert the programme code 8020F in the programme of study section
- Select ‘PhD Biology (full time) – Biological Sciences’ as the programme of study
- Insert the studentship code SNES219 in the studentship/partnership reference field
- attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code SNES219 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
- Attach degree transcripts and certificates
- If English is not your first language attach a copy of your English language qualifications.
Professor Darren Evans ([email protected] ), School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University