"River floodplain sediments can provide valuable information on climate, land-use and pollution histories that can support sustainable river management objectives. In this project, the applicant will use a unique collection of state-of-the-art analytical technologies at University College Dublin, Ireland, to develop and test approaches for unlocking these floodplain sediment archives in an holistic and novel manner. At the centre of the project is the application of micro-XRF core scanning which permits rapid, non-destructive chemical analysis of sediments at sub-mm resolutions. These new technologies, that have the potential to revolutionise geochemical research and applications in floodplain environments, will be tested against complementary geochemical and high resolution imaging techniques for the purpose of reconstructing (i) contaminant heavy metal concentrations and (ii) flooding histories in Irish and UK catchments. The candidate will gain technical skills in the preparation and analysis of samples, together with training in environmental geochemistry, cutting edge high resolution image analysis and statistics that will complement her understanding of fluvial geomorphology and sedimentology. Furthermore, through an established Performance Management Development System at the host institution, a programme of training will provide the applicant with opportunities to enhance her teaching and project management skills and gain instruction and experience in research writing, presentation and supervision that will leave her exceptionally well-placed to pursue an academic career. The innovative research required to fulfil the project’s objectives will enhance excellence and knowledge transfer within the European Research Area by providing guidance for future research in the field, while furthering river management policy objectives that are currently being pursued by EU member states under the Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) and Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)."