Carbon sequestration by short rotation coppice willow

About the Project

The University of Liverpool (UoL) and Energy Crops Consultancy (ECC) are seeking to appoint a suitable experienced and qualified individual to undertake a 12 month masters by research (MRes) programme. This opportunity will remain open until the position has been filled and so early applications are encouraged.

The main objective of this MRes project will be to: scope existing carbon sequestration policies in the UK; analyse carbon sequestration verification processes; map short rotation coppice willow (SRC) and identify alternatives to these verification processes. This project provides a unique opportunity for the graduate student to work at the interface between science, commercial imperative, and government policy. The collaboration between ECC and the University of Liverpool will provide the skills and experience needed to find innovative solutions to the barriers currently preventing such access.

The successful applicant/candidate will have a 2:1 Hons or Masters degree in a science or engineering discipline that includes knowledge of carbon biogeochemical processes relating to soils. They should also have experience with measurement of soil carbon and application of soil carbon models. The successful candidate will have an ability to work in a team, organise their own workload and be committed to ensuring that tasks are completed effectively.

During the project the successful applicant will work in a multidisciplinary team with members of staff from Environmental Sciences. They will receive all required supervision and guidance/training in policy work. The main attribute required of the candidate is that they are inquisitive and proactive.

This MRes is one of the industry-led collaborative R&D projects being delivered by the Innovatory at UoL, as one of the six University partners in the £14M Eco-I North-West programme (Eco-I North West). The aim of the project is for the successful candidate to work towards an MRes at the University of Liverpool through delivering ‘real–life’ solutions to industry and society. Eco-I North West supports businesses in the North West develop low carbon innovation and skills, and achieve ‘green’ economic growth.

All Eco-I North West projects are co-developed with SMEs and UoL to provide assistance in R&D where the company does not have internal expertise, resource or facilities to carry out the research. This will give you a strong advantage in entering a competitive job market in both the academic and commercial sectors.

Funding Notes

By joining Eco-I North West you will receive a £16,000 tax free stipend, with your post-graduate tuition fees paid at the UK rate. Eco-I North West is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the six University partners. Please visit the Innovatory for more information on the School of Environmental Sciences’s other innovation projects.

Application details:

To apply for this opportunity please E-Mail Adam.Sanderson@liverpool.ac.uk quoting Eco-I-UoL-007 in the subject line with:

• 2 page CV

• 1 page expression of interest

References

Energy Crops Consultancy (ECC, https://www.energycropsconsultancy.com/) is an independent advisory service specialising in perennial energy crops such as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Willow and Miscanthus grass, providing assistance with site surveys, planting and end markets to secure income. ECC have been recognised for achievements in introducing and promoting the use of sustainable energy crops in the farm mix alongside enhancing farming livestock and arable food crops, in addition to innovating and undertaking a broader range of work within the biomass energy sector. ECC can also assist farmers plan for the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) and agroforestry. ECC is leading a farmer/grower group to be at the very forefront of agronomy and environmental best practice.

As a prestigious Russell Group institution, the University of Liverpool is one of the most exciting places in the UK to study, with an established international reputation for research excellence. It is home to one of the largest Geography and Planning departments in the UK. Within this department, the Environmental Change Research Group specialises in sustainable management, adaptation and conservation strategies, and methods for mitigation of climate change, extreme events, hazards and impacts to provide societal benefits. The Planning, Environmental Assessment and Management research group are internationally recognised for strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, and sustainability appraisal.

This research project will be supervised by Dr John Boyle and Dr Richard Dunning. John Boyle is a biogeochemist in the Environmental Change Research Group, specialising in sediment and soil analysis and environmental nutrient fluxes, with particular emphasis on accumulation of carbon and phosphorus in the landscape. Richard Dunning is a public policy expert. A surveyor by training, his research has defined policy in England and Scotland. He has been an advisor to the OECD, national and local governments on land values, and written widely about housing, planning and land value capture.

Visit the Carbon sequestration by short rotation coppice willow page on the University of Liverpool website for more details!