Funded PhD Project in Forensic Ecology
"The detection and investigation of human remains using forensic ecology and remote sensing approaches" At Liverpool John Moores University. 3-years fully funded. Application Deadline: 15. December 2023.
About the Project
These three projects are part of a Themed Doctoral Programme (TDP) in the newly established Forensic Research institute (FORRI) at Liverpool John Moores University. The TDP includes high performing research groups and international partners with craniofacial, digital data analysis and human identification research strands, and is led by Prof Caroline Wilkinson, Director of FORRI and a chartered forensic practitioner with experience over 30 years.
The TDP focus is to ensure the diversity and inclusivity of forensic research, especially important given its tie to the criminal justice system, and the increasingly global nature of crime across many sectors. The FORRI team has experience in the forensic science industry and the complexities of developing and validating novel methods for application in criminal casework. A network of collaborators spanning the entire pipeline of forensic analysis will be utilized to provide work-based learning opportunities where appropriate.
The project aims to develop a framework for the parallel use of forensic ecology and remote sensing approaches to determine the translocation of human remains from primary clandestine graves to secondary locales. This is important to resolve contemporary crime more accurately and contribute to giving closure to bereaved families in cold cases. Through collaborations with AFTER, this strand will also evaluate the transferability of data between experimental clandestine burials using animal proxies and human remains. The diverse and interdisciplinary supervisory and advisory team provides extensive forensic, microbiological and robotics expertise and the lead supervisor combines research in sustainable environmental biotechnology with championship of equity, diversity and inclusion to facilitate and ensure equitable participation of women in science.
Additional subject specific training and opportunities include:
- International mobility and study visits during the period of research.
- Comprehensive transferable skills development programme from the university’s Researcher Development Programme.
- Coaching and/or mentoring support.
- Additional subject-specific training relevant to the research project.
Applicant requirements include a first degree and master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. forensic science, molecular microbial ecology, molecular biology). Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply and this TDP is open to international students with IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. ATAS may also be required depending on the country of origin of the applicant.
PARTNER:
- Dr Eline Scotsman, University of Wollongong Australia eline@uow.edu.au
Subject Areas:
HUMAN IDENTIFICATION, TECHNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, SENSORS
For an informal discussion about this opportunity please email Dr Komang Ralebitso-Senior for more information t.k.ralebitsosenior@ljmu.ac.uk.
Applicants should email a CV, covering letter detailing their suitability for the project and contact details of two referees to: FORRI@ljmu.ac.uk
Applicants must be available for an online interview on 5th January 2024.
Funding Notes
Funding Notes: Students can expect a fully-funded three-year PhD scholarship, comprising:
• Annual full-time study fees
• An annual full-time stipend (£18622 per annum in 2023/24, rising in line with UKRI rates) paid in monthly instalments for full-time study
• A contribution towards running costs (£1600 per annum)