PhD Studentship

Conservation Management to Control Marsh Ragwort in Wet Meadows
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
This is an opportunity to work with leading nature conservation organisations in addressing the problem of managing wetlands for agriculture and biodiversity. The toxic herb, Senecio aquaticus, is invading meadows currently managed as habitat for important bird species and plant communities.
Management options that are sympathetic to the conservation of biodiversity are required for its control.

This project is co-funded by RSPB, English Nature, the Open University and the Somerset Levels and Moors LEADER+ Local Action Group. It will be based at the Open University in Milton Keynes under the supervision of Drs David Gowing and Mike Gillman and will involve replicated field trials in Somerset.

You should hold a first-class or upper-second degree in ecological or plant sciences, a full driving licence and an interest in nature conservation. You should be capable of undertaking field work on isolated wetland sites and have some familiarity with grassland farming practices. You should also have some experience of botanical identification, data handling and basic statistical analyses.
The studentship will commence in January 2005 and be funded for 3 years.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be made to Dr David Gowing, email d.j.gowing@open.ac.uk




Closing date for all applications: 2 July 2004.



Details of departmental research groups, current projects and facilities can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/science/biosci/index.htm




For application forms, further particulars and access details for disabled applicants contact Mrs Janet Vroone, Department of Biological Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA. Telephone (01908) 659297 or email biology-recruitment@open.ac.uk




Equal Opportunity is University Policy