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University of Exeter
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PhD Studentship: Harnessing the Appetite of Sea Cucumbers as Detritivores to Clean up Aquaculture Practices University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Jan 7, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
This PhD studentship examines how detritivorous sea cucumbers could help reduce the build-up of excess organic waste from open and semi-open aquaculture pens. The project centres on the ecological and functional role of Holothuria scabra in processing uneaten feed and faeces, with the aim of supporting more sediment-safe and sustainable coastal aquaculture.
The Doctoral Researcher will investigate whether sea cucumbers can effectively consume excess organic matter and help restore sediment function in tropical aquaculture settings. The work will include controlled and field trials to determine waste-processing thresholds and assess how these animals contribute to sediment biogeochemistry and wider ecosystem processes. The student will be able to develop physiological, biogeochemical, ecological, and molecular approaches within the project.
The project is embedded in a collaborative research network involving the University of Exeter, the University of Bristol, the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre in the United Arab Emirates, and partners in Jaffna, northern Sri Lanka. The student will work closely with local teams and benefit from interdisciplinary supervisory support, gaining experience across experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and analytical approaches relevant to marine and aquaculture research.
Overall, the project aims to translate findings on sea cucumber biology into practical nature-based solutions for aquaculture and coastal sediment management.
Funding details
Available
What's required
No specific academic requirements, grades, language scores, or discipline prerequisites are stated in the advert. The project is interdisciplinary and the student will work across physiology, feeding practices, sediment biogeochemistry, ecological and molecular approaches, so interest in these areas is implied.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Exeter funding/application link provided in the advert. Review the full project details on the application page and submit the required application materials before the deadline.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.