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Dr R Walters, Prof R M Sibly
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Lead Supervisor: Richard Walters, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading.
Co-supervisors: Richard Sibly, University of Reading; Pernille Thorbek and Ian Sims, Syngenta, Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre; Tom Oliver, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford.
Start Date: 1st October 2015.
Project overview: The primary aim of UK Environmental Stewardship schemes is to conserve biodiversity in the wider countryside, by offering refuge to non-target species of cultural and economic value and by reconnecting habitats across a fragmented landscape. However, the benefits of these tailored agri-environment schemes have yet to be fully assessed and understood. For example, field margins and buffer strips have been shown to promote the abundance and dispersal of insects, but the effect differs both within and between taxonomic groups. The aim of this project is to understand the interaction between what floral resources the habitats offer, the connectivity of the landscape, weather and the dispersal biology of different butterfly species. This will help optimisation of field margin management and placement. This project’s focus is on butterflies, a taxon for which there is plentiful biological and ecological data to parameterise individual-based models.
Student profile: We are seeking a person with a strong background in quantitative ecology or biology with a duel interest in collecting data on butterflies in the field and conducting data analysis and developing computer models as means to investigate and optimise agri-environmental schemes for biodiversity conservation. Full training will be given in a variety of modelling approaches and fieldwork. Experience with population modelling would be an advantage.
Training opportunities: We offer specialist training in entomological fieldwork, individual-based modelling in NetLogo and Approximate Bayesian Computation methods in R. The CEH Learning and Development program and Syngenta’s Biological Sciences and Product Safety Research programme offer additional opportunities to develop transferable skills in scientific writing, project management and science communication in a non-academic environment.
Co-supervisors: Richard Sibly, University of Reading; Pernille Thorbek and Ian Sims, Syngenta, Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre; Tom Oliver, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford.
Start Date: 1st October 2015.
Project overview: The primary aim of UK Environmental Stewardship schemes is to conserve biodiversity in the wider countryside, by offering refuge to non-target species of cultural and economic value and by reconnecting habitats across a fragmented landscape. However, the benefits of these tailored agri-environment schemes have yet to be fully assessed and understood. For example, field margins and buffer strips have been shown to promote the abundance and dispersal of insects, but the effect differs both within and between taxonomic groups. The aim of this project is to understand the interaction between what floral resources the habitats offer, the connectivity of the landscape, weather and the dispersal biology of different butterfly species. This will help optimisation of field margin management and placement. This project’s focus is on butterflies, a taxon for which there is plentiful biological and ecological data to parameterise individual-based models.
Student profile: We are seeking a person with a strong background in quantitative ecology or biology with a duel interest in collecting data on butterflies in the field and conducting data analysis and developing computer models as means to investigate and optimise agri-environmental schemes for biodiversity conservation. Full training will be given in a variety of modelling approaches and fieldwork. Experience with population modelling would be an advantage.
Training opportunities: We offer specialist training in entomological fieldwork, individual-based modelling in NetLogo and Approximate Bayesian Computation methods in R. The CEH Learning and Development program and Syngenta’s Biological Sciences and Product Safety Research programme offer additional opportunities to develop transferable skills in scientific writing, project management and science communication in a non-academic environment.
Funding Notes
BBSRC iCASE studentship (subject to confirmation) with Syngenta as CASE partner. The CASE partner will provide fieldwork, travel and training expenses and an additional £2500 per annum towards the student stipend.
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants should hold a minimum of an Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject. (Note that restrictions apply for this studentship. Non-EU students are not eligible. Restrictions for non-UK EU nationals also apply. Please see BBSRC guidelines for further details).
How to apply: Please send CV, cover letter and names of two referees, and informal enquiries by email to Richard Walters ([Email Address Removed]).
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants should hold a minimum of an Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject. (Note that restrictions apply for this studentship. Non-EU students are not eligible. Restrictions for non-UK EU nationals also apply. Please see BBSRC guidelines for further details).
How to apply: Please send CV, cover letter and names of two referees, and informal enquiries by email to Richard Walters ([Email Address Removed]).
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