ACCE+ DLA programme: Assessing the Effects of Heatwaves on Specialised Ecological Interactions

Background:

Climate change is amplifying the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, with heatwaves (HWs) being a significant stressor for ecological systems. Specialised plant–herbivore–predator interactions, shaped by the dynamics of chemical defences of plants and the physiological traits of herbivores and predators, are particularly vulnerable. Heatwaves may increase the production of plant defence compounds, potentially altering herbivore development, toxicity, and predator-prey dynamics through temperature-dependent toxicity. Understanding these interactions under HW conditions is critical for predicting and mitigating climate change impacts on ecosystems.

Research Focus:

The PhD candidate working on this project will investigate how heatwaves affect ecological interactions between plants, herbivores, and predators. The focus will be on the chemical defences of plants, the physiological responses of specialised herbivores, and predator behaviour. The goal is to determine the mechanisms of organismal responses to heatwaves and how those responses drive ecological interactions.

Objectives:

1. Examine the effects of heatwaves on herbivore performance by measuring herbivore growth, colouration, toxicity, and physiological responses in relation to plant chemical defences.
2. Investigate physiological mechanisms driving heatwave effects on herbivores and predators through measuring or manipulating biomarkers of stress.
3. Quantify predator-prey outcomes by assessing insect survival under variable HW conditions with different predator guilds.
4. Evaluate the broader ecological implications of heatwaves for plant-insect interactions and ecosystem functionality, providing insights into the effects of extreme climatic events.

Interdisciplinary Training and Techniques

You will work within a cross-disciplinary team with expertise spanning plant and insect chemical and evolutionary ecology, with skills in molecular evolution, biochemical physiology, and animal behaviour.

Training opportunities include:

• Experimental Design: Conducting controlled temperature experiments on ecological interactions and insect performance to simulate HW conditions.
• Multispectral imaging and computational psychophysics: objectively measuring colouration and modelling colour perception in different guilds of visual predators.
• Physiological and Biochemical Assays: Assessing insect and plant biomarkers of stress and cellular health; colourimetric toxicity assays.
• Quantitative Analysis: Applying ecological data analysis and visualisation tools with an emphasis on reproducible research practices.
• Scientific Communication: Preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and delivering presentations at conferences and public forums.

Research Environment:

You will join Dr. Hannah Rowland’s team [www.hannahrowland.co.uk], which focuses on toxin-mediated biotic interactions in insects and vertebrates. We have characterised toxins produced by hostplants [1], the toxins sequestered by specialised herbivores [2], the effects of sequestration on antipredator colour development [3], and the effect of toxins on predators [4]. You will be part of a dynamic research environment within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behaviour, with access to international collaborations, excellent research facilities and training, and opportunities to present your findings at international conferences. More broadly, the university offers several essential facilities for this research programme including the avian Egg Facility, the Centre for Metabolomics Research together with the Analytical Services in the Department of Chemistry.

Why Apply?

This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research on climate-induced stress in ecological systems. Ideal candidates will have a background in chemical or behavioural ecology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with interests in plant-insect, predator-prey, or other ecological interactions. The training provided will equip the candidate for diverse career paths in research, ecological consulting, and science communication/education, amongst others. The findings will inform efforts to predict and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on biodiversity.

How to Apply

Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. 

All applicants to ACCE+ must complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of two referees.

Part-Time Study Options

All ACCE+ PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme. 

Project CASE Status

This project is not a CASE project. 

Candidate information

If you would like to view the recent candidate webinar for this project, please register to do so here and we will be able to forward the relevant details to you.

For this project's Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.