Biodiversity loss is occurring at an alarming rate and associations between declines and multiple interacting stressors have been demonstrated from a wide range of taxa. Multiple stressors negatively impact the stability of entire ecosystems through alterations in species interactions. These effects are particularly pertinent for estuaries, which are amongst the most productive ecosystems on Earth, and at the same time are suffering from habitat loss and degradation caused by anthropogenic activity, including deleterious impacts of climate-related environmental change.
Globally, pollution is reported to be second only to habitat loss for negative impacts on biodiversity. Specifically, metals and persistent organic compounds, including legacy polyaromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments, are amongst the most important pollutants negatively impacting estuarine ecosystems. Despite the realisation that climate-related environmental change has the potential to impact contaminants in aquatic environments, empirical investigations into the effects of climate change related environmental drivers of pollutant impacts on biota are limited largely to single pollutant exposure experiments, with very few data available on complex mixtures in multi-stressor scenarios. Changes in rainfall patterns and seasonal temperature extremes in previously temperate climate zones are known to affect salinity regimes in local coastal and estuarine environments. Salinity fluctuations, as a result of dilution and evaporation events, impose ionic stress on aquatic organisms. Whilst euryhaline species may be able to cope better under fluctuating salinity regimes, the associated stress is also likely to make organisms more sensitive to chemical pollutants, particularly if salinity fluctuations influence bioavailability. In addition, recent IPCC reports show that the average sea surface temperature has been increasing at an average rate of 0.11°C per decade at most of the world’s coastlines since 1971 and this is predicted to continue. Furthermore, local heatwaves, increasing in frequency and intensity, are adding to stress in marine organisms and, in combination with salinity fluctuations are likely to make species more susceptible to contaminant exposure.
Therefore, in this project, we will investigate the ecotoxicological effects of simulated salinity and temperature fluctuations in the presence/absence of environmentally relevant pollutant mixtures.
Supervision
The multidisciplinary supervisory team consists of Dr Mark Hartl (Primary, Heriot-Watt University), Dr Clayton Magill (Heriot-Watt University), Dr Mark Taggart (University of Highlands and Islands), Dr Frances Orton. The successful candidate will benefit from PhD training programmes at the partner organisations and also register in the MASTS Graduate School, which provides additional education and training to ensure that PhD students gain the full complement of skills required to achieve the best in their future careers.
Eligibility - The ideal candidate will have/will be
A strong academic record with an MSc degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant field such as marine or freshwater biology, fisheries biology, environmental biology, or ecology. A first-class undergraduate Honours degree will also be considered.
A profound interest in aquatic biology and enthusiasm for researching a topic relevant to conservation and environmental change mitigation.
Experience with aquarium set-ups and animal cultivation and husbandry methods.
At least a basic knowledge of the biochemistry underlying animal physiology. Relevant laboratory experience in toxicology would be desirable but is not critical.
A good background in experimental design and multivariate data analysis skills.
Scientifically curious, creative, conscientious and have excellent English communication and scientific writing skills.
Highly organised and self-motivated, and also enjoys working as part of a team.
A full driving license enabling to drive in the UK would be desirable, but not essential.
Timeline
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 28th February 2023. Interviews are expected to take place in early March and candidates must be available to start in October 2023.
How to Apply
To apply you must complete our online application form.
Please select PhD Environment as the programme and include the full project title, reference number and supervisor name on your application form. You will also need to provide a CV, a supporting statement (1-5 A4 pages) outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference.
Candidates whose first language is not English must meet Heriot-Watt University’s English language requirements. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Contact: For informal enquiries about the PhD project, please contact Dr Mark Hartl [Email Address Removed]
Please contact [Email Address Removed] for technical support with your application.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to supporting equality in the workplace and encourages diversity. We currently hold a bronze Athena SWAN institutional award.
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