Defining hypoxia: an ecophysiological approach to understanding
the effects of temperature on hypoxia thresholds”
DoS Dr Manuela Truebano (manuela.truebanogarcia@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44(0)1752 587885
2nd Supervisor Professor John Spicer (j.i.spicer@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 (1)752 584650)
3rd Supervisor Dr Melody Clark (mscl@bas.ac.uk, tel,: +44 (0)1223 221371)
4th supervisor Dr John Moody (J.Moody@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 (0)1752 584640)
Applications are invited for a three-year MPhil/PhD studentship. The studentship will start on
January 1st 2014.
Project Description
A three year PhD studentship in the field of ecophysiology is available at the Marine Biology and
Ecology Research Centre, Plymouth University, in collaboration with the British Antarctic
Survey. The project title is, “Defining hypoxia: an ecophysiological approach to understanding
the effects of temperature on hypoxia thresholds”.
The recent expansion of oxygen-poor “dead zones” across coastal regions, along with the rapid
warming of the world’s oceans is presenting marine biodiversity with new physiological
challenges. Oxygen solubility is reduced at higher temperatures, and increasing temperature
increases metabolic rates, thus oxygen demand. Given the intrinsic relationship between
oxygen and temperature, and the forecast changes in both parameters associated with climate
change, there is a need to understand how elevated temperatures affect oxygen thresholds for
hypoxia.
This successful candidate will investigate how temperature affects hypoxic thresholds of
sensitive marine ectotherms from a range of ecosystems, by identifying physiological and
molecular mechanisms underlying responses to hypoxia and elevated temperatures, both in the
laboratory and in situ. This will be evaluated at different levels of biological organization from
molecular to organismal and interpreted within an ecological context.
Applicants should have experience in at least one of the following: molecular biology,
bioinformatics, ecophysiology or biochemistry. Training in other aspects of the project will be
provided. The student will be mainly based in Plymouth, but required to spend short periods at
the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge.
Eligibility
Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate
subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.
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).
Ref: DoS/funding/closing date
To discuss this project informally, please contact Dr Manuela Truebano
manuela.truebanogarcia@plymouth.ac.uk. 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 1st November 2014. Shortlisted candidates
will be invited for interview on 5th December. We regret that we may not be able to respond to
all applicants. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by November 15th should
consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Ref: DoS/funding/closing date