PhD Studentship - Passive Acoustic Monitoring to Inform Evidence-based Policy for Coral Reefs. [...] in Exeter

PhD Studentship - Passive Acoustic Monitoring to Inform Evidence-based Policy for Coral Reefs. [...] in Exeter

Exeter Trainee 22350 - 22350 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Exeter

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on coral reefs using passive acoustic monitoring.
  • Company: Join a leading research team focused on marine conservation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Fully funded PhD with a tax-free stipend and opportunities for fieldwork.
  • Other info: Collaborate with Indigenous partnerships and stakeholders for impactful research.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in coral reef protection and contribute to evidence-based policy.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, experience with R, MATLAB, or Python, and a passion for marine science.

The predicted salary is between 22350 - 22350 £ per year.

Project Overview

Coral reefs are culturally and biologically important ecosystems threatened by climate change and local stressors. Until greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, we can improve local protection and management for resilience and sustainability. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and experimental evidence have revealed that traffic noise is a major pollutant causing stress for the inhabitants of coral reefs and affecting their survival. Altering marine traffic patterns around reefs can improve local conditions with immediate effect. This project will examine how PAM can inform us about reef condition and the efficacy of protection and restoration.

In this fully funded PhD project, the successful Post‑Graduate Researcher will work collaboratively with Dr Nedelec’s research group who are developing novel ecoacoustic predictors for coral reef resilience. They will refine and test these novel ecoacoustic predictors on new and pre‑existing datasets. The PhD Researcher will then apply these predictors at a regional scale along the GBR in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Specific sites will be chosen to reflect different policy and management contexts, noise exposures and reef health indicators. The ecoacoustic predictors and regional monitoring sites will be co‑designed where possible, informed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science Indigenous Partnerships team, close stakeholder collaboration, workshops and policy analysis.

Responsibilities

The ideal PhD candidate for this marine research project will possess strong fieldwork and analytical skills and be open to interdisciplinary research. Competency in software like R, MATLAB, or Python, is highly desirable, alongside a robust understanding of research design and quantitative methods, and openness to learning qualitative approaches such as Indigenous Standpoint Theory.

Eligibility & Fees

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, relevant experience and interests. Students who pay international tuition fees are unfortunately unlikely to be eligible for this studentship, due to funder budget restrictions. There may be opportunities to seek funds to cover international fees and other costs for eligible First Nations students from Australia, please enquire if this is of interest.

PhD Studentship - Passive Acoustic Monitoring to Inform Evidence-based Policy for Coral Reefs. [...] in Exeter employer: University of Exeter

As a leading institution in marine research, we offer an exceptional environment for PhD candidates passionate about coral reef conservation. Our collaborative work culture fosters interdisciplinary research and provides ample opportunities for professional growth, supported by partnerships with esteemed organisations like the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Located in a vibrant academic community, our students benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and a network of experts dedicated to making a meaningful impact on environmental policy.

University of Exeter

Contact Details:

University of Exeter Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship - Passive Acoustic Monitoring to Inform Evidence-based Policy for Coral Reefs. [...] in Exeter

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the marine research field, especially those connected to coral reefs. Attend conferences or workshops where you can meet potential collaborators and mentors. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your fieldwork and analytical projects. If you've worked with R, MATLAB, or Python, highlight specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to solve real-world problems. This will make you stand out!

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to Dr Nedelec’s research group or similar teams. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming projects or opportunities. It shows initiative!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship - Passive Acoustic Monitoring to Inform Evidence-based Policy for Coral Reefs. [...] in Exeter

Fieldwork Skills
Analytical Skills
Interdisciplinary Research
R Programming
MATLAB
Python
Research Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project. We want to see your passion for coral reefs and how you can contribute to our research goals!

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in software like R, MATLAB, or Python. We’re looking for someone who’s not just academically strong but also has practical skills that can help us in the field.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter

Know Your Coral Reefs

Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of coral reefs and their ecosystems. Understand the impact of climate change and local stressors on these environments. This will show your passion for the subject and help you engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with software like R, MATLAB, or Python. Bring examples of how you've used these tools in past projects, especially in relation to data analysis or research design. This will demonstrate your technical competency and readiness for the role.

Emphasise Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Highlight any previous experiences where you've worked in interdisciplinary teams. Discuss how you can contribute to collaborative efforts, especially in relation to Indigenous partnerships and stakeholder engagement. This will show that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in team settings.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the project or the research group. This could be about the ecoacoustic predictors or how the team collaborates with the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Asking questions shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.