£29,705 - £35,469 p.a.

A postdoctoral research position is currently available at Stirling University to assess the effects of micro-turbines on wildlife.

There is growing public and political interest in increasing the proportion of the energy used from renewable sources, in part because of climate change and Government targets to reduce CO2 emissions. The development of domestic wind micro-turbines is seen as a potentially important contribution to renewable energy production, and a wide range of models up to 50 kW are now available. In the UK the cumulative number of installed micro-turbines is predicted to exceed 25,000 units by the end of 2009. There have been anecdotal reports of bird and bat fatalities resulting from collisions with micro-turbines. It is not known, however, whether these are isolated events, and there are no data with which to assess the importance of collisions, or any other risks that micro-turbines may pose, to populations of these species. To date, the only studies on wildlife impacts of wind powered technology have concentrated on wind farms. The risks posed by such large developments, however, are likely to affect a different suite of species under quite different situations, such that extrapolation from impact studies of wind farms to micro-turbines is not appropriate. Using a combination of empirical data collection and experimental manipulation, we aim to identify situations where problems may arise and quantify the risks involved.

Candidates should have a PhD in an appropriate field (e.g. animal ecology, behaviour) and have proven experience in managing and conducting independent fieldwork. Experience in avian and/or bat ecology would be desirable, and a proficiency in statistical analysis is required. The project will involve extensive travel throughout the UK during the field season and liaising with land/home owners so excellent communication skills and a clean driving licence are essential.

The post is full time and is fixed term for 24 months. Candidates would be expected to start November/December 2009. If you have any informal enquires regarding this post please contact Dr Kirsty Park, k.j.park@stir.ac.uk, Tel: 01786 467799. More information about the project can be found on the following website http://www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/research/ecology/micro-turbines.html

Further particulars and application forms are available from the HR & OD Department, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA; tel 01786 467028; fax 01786 466155; e-mail hr-services@stir.ac.uk

Closing date will be Thursday, 9^th July 2009 at 12 noon

Please quote ref number 15691/6694