Close

10 May, 2019

Undergraduate Research Experience in Geographical Information Systems at the Lancaster Environment Centre

A funded opportunity is available for an undergraduate student (subject to eligibility, see below) to undertake a research placement at the Lancaster Environment Centre during the summer of 2019. The project will use GIS to map the extent of tree cover in UK limestone pavements. For this project we will use aerial images of limestone pavements taken in the 1970s, define polygons of surveyed pavements and geolocate images, then estimate tree cover to see how it has changed between the original survey and present day. The project will run for 8-10 weeks during the summer and has a flexible start date from mid-June to the end of July. The student will be supported by a stipend (minimum wage, rate dependent on age) through the NERC STARS Centre for Doctoral Training (http://www.starsoil.org.uk/). The placement will provide experience of using GIS software ArcGIS and working with aerial images and of nature conservation in the UK. The successful applicant will also participate in fieldwork on limestone pavements.

To apply for this role please send a CV and covering letter explaining your motivation for applying to Dr Carly Stevens (c.stevens@lancaster.ac.uk) by 31st May. If you would like to discuss the role or have any questions please contact Dr Stevens ahead of the deadline.

If you are interested in taking part in the research experience placement, you must:

  • Be studying for an undergraduate degree in a quantitative discipline outside of NERC’s scientific remit (e.g. mathematics, statistics, computing, engineering, physics).
  • Be applying for a placement in a different department to your undergraduate degree.
  • Be undertaking your first undergraduate degree studies (or integrated Masters).
  • Be expected to obtain a first or upper second class UK honours degree.
  • Be eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding (i.e. UK, EU or right to remain in the UK)
  • Be available to work for between 8 and 10 weeks over the summer break.