Project Overview: This PhD project, based at the University of Southampton's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, aims to pioneer a conservation forensic tool to trace the origin of salmon lice using advanced forensic isotope techniques. The research addresses a critical question in sustainable aquaculture: can we determine whether parasites found on wild fish originate from wild populations or from local aquaculture operations? This distinction is vital for managing biocontamination, improving aquaculture sustainability, and protecting threatened wild salmonid populations. Research Context: Aquaculture is a key component of the global food system, providing food security and economic benefits while reducing pressure on wild fisheries. However, intensive salmon farming can lead to sea lice epidemics, increasing parasite loads on already stressed wild salmonid populations. Salmon lice are a significant economic challenge for the Atlantic salmon industry, causing substantial production losses and requiring costly control measures. Because salmon lice are naturally present in wild populations, it is difficult to quantify the impact of aquaculture on wild fish health. Project Aims: Building on pilot work that identified a stable isotope marker capable of distinguishing lice from wild versus farmed environments, this PhD will: (a) develop forensic methods to discriminate between copepod larvae of wild and aquaculture origin; (b) create algorithms to quantitatively assess the likelihood of origin among potential sources; and (c) evaluate the contribution of aquaculture-hosted lice to environmental samples across Scotland. The project will fill a major gap in environmental policy and provide new insights into the use of chemical markers in conservation forensics. Training and Development: The IGNITE programme offers comprehensive personal and professional development, including training in stable isotope tools for ecological and forensic science, field skills in sampling wild salmon and trout, and experience in both wild and aquaculture settings. Students will engage with a wide network of academic, industry, and policy partners, gaining experience at the interface of science, industry, and conservation. The programme also supports the translation of scientific advances to practical applications for commercial and policy stakeholders. Funding: The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award provides 3.5 years of funding (full- or part-time), including a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), full Home tuition fees, a waiver for the difference between Home and International fees, and a Research Training Support Grant of £2200 per year for project costs, conferences, and training. Eligibility: Applicants should have a UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject (international equivalents accepted). English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in all components, or equivalent). The programme encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for qualifying UK applicants from racially minoritised backgrounds. Application Process: Apply online by 11:59pm on 8th January 2026. Contact the lead supervisor to discuss your suitability before applying. You may apply for up to two projects but are advised to tailor your application to one. Both UK and international students are eligible, though international studentships are limited and highly competitive. References: Key literature includes recent reviews and studies on salmon lice biology, stable isotope tracking, and forensic applications in environmental science.

Project Overview: This PhD project investigates the diversity, ecological roles, and functional significance of cryptobenthic fishes—small, camouflaged species less than 5cm long—across a range of marine ecosystems from temperate to tropical coral reefs. Despite their diminutive size, these fishes are abundant and play foundational roles in marine food webs, particularly as prey in coral reef systems. However, their broader ecological impact across different climatic zones remains poorly understood. Research Focus: The project aims to fill this knowledge gap by comparing cryptobenthic fish communities along latitudinal and climatic gradients. Using advanced laboratory and field techniques, you will assess species diversity, community composition, and functional ecology. Analyses will include dietary studies, feeding mode assessments, and productivity measurements to determine how ecological roles shift from cooler to warmer marine environments. The research integrates biogeographical and climate perspectives to generate new insights into the resilience and functioning of marine food webs. Collaborative Environment: The project is supported by the Natural History Museum, London, providing access to world-class taxonomic expertise, specimen collections, and research facilities. Collaboration with the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre (UAE) offers opportunities for overseas fieldwork and exposure to dynamic marine environments. These partnerships create a unique platform for ambitious research linking global biogeography with local climate dynamics. Training and Skills Development: You will receive hands-on training in cutting-edge methods such as DNA barcoding, micro-CT scanning, 3D model analysis for functional morphology, and stable isotope analysis for trophic and metabolic ecology. The IGNITE programme at the University of Southampton offers comprehensive personal and professional development, including opportunities to interact with a wide network of academic, research, and policy partners. Specific training includes micro-CT scanning, morphometric analyses, specimen handling, fish identification, and science communication. Eligibility and Funding: Applicants should have a UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours (2:1) or international equivalent in a relevant subject. English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component) is required. The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award provides 3.5 years of funding, including a UKRI-standard stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), full tuition (Home and International), and a Research Training Support Grant (£2,200/year). Both UK and international students are eligible, though international places are limited to 30% of awards. Application Process: Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm on 8 January 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor to discuss suitability before applying. You may apply for up to two projects but are advised to tailor your application to one. The project is based at the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Southampton, with fieldwork and research opportunities in the UK and abroad. References: For further reading, see The Atlantic (2019) , TEDx Parramatta (2019) , and Heiple et al. (2023) .