About the Project
This project will combine genetics, physiology and modelling to improve the evidence-base that currently supports UK maerl bed conservation. Maerl beds – diverse ecosystems formed by accretions of free-living red coralline algae – are one of Europe’s most ecologically and economically important marine ecosystems. However, all European maerl beds are currently considered ‘Vulnerable’ or ‘Endangered’, threatened by climate change and human activities (e.g. trawling, pollution). Scotland is a European maerl bed stronghold, but current protection is based on a paucity of empirical data. We do not know, for example, the accuracy of existing habitat distribution records, how genetically connected beds are, nor how the carbon sequestration capacity of different species varies – all key factors in defining protection strategies.
The student will be based at the Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, but will work in close partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and Scottish Natural Heritage, providing opportunities for multi-sector experience and research-policy translation. As such, the student’s peer group will be large and diverse, providing exposure to a wide range of topics including environmental, biological, geological, energy, social and conservation sciences, engineering and policymaking. The student will have access to a range of NERC-funded training opportunities to broaden their skillset. Throughout the project, the student will work towards research objectives designed to improve management and conservation practice, forming recommendations underpinned by robust, multi-disciplinary scientific evidence. To achieve this, the student will combine field and laboratory experimentation, developing technical skills in spatial modelling, environmental genetics, bioinformatics and ecophysiology. Fieldwork will be conducted around the UK, with potential opportunities in the wider NE Atlantic (e.g. Iceland, Norway).
You will be supervised by Dr Heidi Burdett (Lyell Centre), Professor Pete Hollingsworth (Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh), Professor John Baxter (Scottish Natural Heritage) and Professor Teresa Fernandes (Heriot-Watt University).
Funding Notes
Funding is provided for 48 months by the Natural Environment Research Council. This includes tuition fees, a training grant and annual stipend of £14,553.
Applicants must meet the RCUK eligibility criteria: you must have settled status in the UK with no restrictions on how long you can stay and been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the project.
Applicants should have a minimum 2.1 honours degree plus Masters in a relevant subject. Applicants with a qualification in marine/environmental science, experience in molecular ecology, spatial modelling, bioinformatics and/or ecophysiology are particularly encouraged to apply.