iCRAG PhD studentship GW3.2.PhD1
An investigation of uranium occurrence, sources and mobilization processes in
selected Irish groundwaters
This PhD project will investigate the occurrence, sources and processes responsible
geogenic uranium mobilisation in selected Irish groundwaters. In Ireland, groundwaters from
fractured granite and fissured limestone can contain levels of dissolved uranium that exceed
WHO limits. Reliable uranium data for Irish groundwater at the ppb level remain sparse
however. While a recently published reconnaissance survey of 200 groundwater samples
from across the Republic of Ireland revealed generally low dissolved uranium concentrations
in public supply wells, 10% exceeded the 2 µg/L limit and few reliable data exist for private
wells. Crucially, the underlying geochemical processes responsible for uranium mobilisation
are not well characterised. Three geographical areas linked to geological settings of interest
have been selected for an initial focus for the PhD based on our preliminary studies.
Applications for this PhD project are invited from graduates holding a 1st or Upper Second
class Honours Degree in Geology, Earth Science or a Masters in Hydrogeology. Field
experience in hydrogeology will be a distinct advantage. This 4 year PhD studentship will
commence on 1st September 2015 and it carries an annual stipend of €18,000. PhD fees
will be paid by the project. Applicants should send their CV to Professor Frank McDermott
(frank.mcdermott@ucd.ie), UCD School of Geological Sciences (www.ucd.ie/geology/)
before Friday 17th April 2015. The successful candidate will join a large applied geoscience
research centre, iCRAG, in the UCD School of Geological Sciences at University College
Dublin: iCRAG is national research centre with a presence in all of the Irish research
institutions involved in Geosciences. iCRAG is funded under the SFI Research Centres
Programme and is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund.