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Heriot-Watt University

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PhD in Tracking Ecosystem Recovery and Pollution Risks in Restored Saltmarshes Heriot-Watt University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Molecular Biology

Funding

This is a full scholarship covering tuition fees for Home students and providing an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (currently £21,805 in 2026-27) for 44 months. International candidates may apply, but if successful they or their supervisory team must secure co-funding to cover the difference between home and international fees, approximately £21,000 per year.

Deadline

Oct 13, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Heriot-Watt University

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Keywords

Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Microbiology
Ecology
Environmental Science
Biology
Hydrology
Biodiversity
Climate Science
Marine Biology
Earth Science
Salud Pública
Ecotoxicology
Ecological Restoration
Microplastic

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About this position

PhD opportunity at Heriot-Watt University (School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society) within the NERC-funded ECOWILD Centre for Doctoral Training.

The project, Tracking Ecosystem Recovery and Pollution Risks in Restored Saltmarshes, focuses on saltmarsh restoration, ecosystem recovery, microplastics, ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry, ecology, microbiology, and molecular biology. It will investigate multiple stressors in restored coastal saltmarshes, including microplastics as reservoirs for pathogens and antimicrobial resistance, while also quantifying ecosystem services such as carbon storage, biodiversity, and flood protection.

The supervisory team includes Richard Cross (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology), Annette Burden (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology), Joe Taylor (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology), Frances Orton (Heriot-Watt University), and stakeholder supervisor Geoff Hilton (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust). The project offers access to state-of-the-art microplastics analysis, high-performance sequencing, and analytical infrastructure, plus collaborations with restoration practitioners and conservation organisations.

Eligibility: home and overseas students may apply. International candidates must have co-funding to cover the fee difference if successful. Applicants should normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, preferably with a relevant Masters or similar experience. Essential skills include field work, laboratory work, and data analysis.

Funding: full scholarship for Home students, including tuition and a UKRI-level stipend (£21,805 in 2026-27) for 44 months. Deadline: midnight BST Tuesday 13 October 2026. Interviews are expected on 27 October 2026, with a January 2027 start.

Funding details

This is a full scholarship covering tuition fees for Home students and providing an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (currently £21,805 in 2026-27) for 44 months. International candidates may apply, but if successful they or their supervisory team must secure co-funding to cover the difference between home and international fees, approximately £21,000 per year.

What's required

Applicants typically should have a first or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters’ qualification or similar experience. Essential skills include field-based skills, laboratory skills, and data analysis. Overseas students must provide proof of English language ability; the post states IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, or TOEFL 85 overall with specified section minimums, unless exempt under UK Government guidance for an English-taught degree.

How to apply

Visit the ECOWILD website for the 2026/27 projects list and apply through the programme’s application route. For project-specific questions, email Richard Cross at [email protected]; general enquiries can be sent to [email protected].

More information can be found here

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