Implications of ocean acidification on the UK’s commercial
shellfish fisheries: a comparison of native and non-native species
Dr Antony Knights (antony.knights@plymouth.ac.uk, Tel.: +44 (0) 1752 587889)
Dr Steve Fletcher (steve.fletcher@plymouth.ac.uk)
Prof Roy Moate (roy.moate@plymouth.ac.uk)
Prof Jason Hall-Spencer (jason.hall-spencer@plymouth.ac.uk)
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start in January
2015.
Project Description
The implications of ocean acidification on the success of shellfish are well documented as
placing the future of the UK’s commercial shellfish fisheries under threat. This project will take
an interdisciplinary approach in considering the future sustainability of commercial shellfish
fisheries and involve a combination of lab and field-based experiments and you will be expected
to engage and work closely with industry. The project focus includes: (1) the environmental
factors that affect shellfish success across multiple life-history stages and consideration of how
future climate scenarios might affect the performance of native and non-native species, and (2)
how changes in ecological success will affect the availability of ecosystem services and benefits
associated with this industry. The candidate will join two of the UK’s leading marine research
groups,
namely
the
Marine
Biology
and
Ecology
Research
Centre
(www1.plymouth.ac.uk/research/mberc) and Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research
(www1.plymouth.ac.uk/ research/marcopol).
Ref: DoS/funding/closing date
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have a first or upper second class Honours degree in Marine Biology or
similar and preferably hold a relevant MSc or MRes qualification. The successful candidate will
be a numerate marine biologist with knowledge and preferably experience of ecosystem service
assessment (including social and economic research methods). The successful candidate will
have field survey experience and experience of larval culture techniques would be
advantageous but not essential. Diving (e.g. HSE Part 4 or equivalent) and boat handling
qualifications would be advantageous.
Fees and Financial Support
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend
of £13,863 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for
Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees
will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates
(approximately £9,950 per annum).
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Antony Knights by email
(antony.knights@plymouth.ac.uk) or telephone (+44 (0) 1752 587889. However, applications
must be made in accordance with the details shown below.
For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/
postgraduate. Applicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter
detailing their suitability for the studentship, C.V., and 2 references to Graduate School, Link
Building, Level 3, Plymouth PL4 8AA or e-mail scienvresearch@plymouth.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 3rd November 2014. Shortlisted candidates
will be invited for interview on the 28th November 2014. We regret that we may not be able to
Ref: DoS/funding/closing date
respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 17th
November 2014 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Ref: DoS/funding/closing date