PhD Studentship in Environmental Biosciences: Metapopulation Dynamics of Pollinating Bees under Pesticide Pressure Swansea University in United Kingdom

[Scholarship covers full tuition, UKRI stipend (£19,237), £16,000 RTSG, and £1,920 for fieldwork.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at Swansea University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the metapopulation dynamics of pollinating bees under the dual pressures of pesticide exposure and habitat fragmentation. Bees play a crucial role in maintaining mutualistic interactions with plants, supporting both wildflower diversity and agricultural productivity. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic factors, particularly the widespread use of agricultural pesticides and the fragmentation of natural habitats.

The successful candidate will develop a mechanistic framework to understand how these disturbances impact bee-plant interactions across spatial scales. The project integrates empirical data analysis, laboratory experiments, and the development of ecological theory to provide a comprehensive view of pollinator systems under human-induced stress. Key objectives include synthesizing global patterns of bee responses to pesticides and habitat loss, experimentally testing the impacts of pesticides on bee behavior and pollination efficiency, and building predictive mathematical models of bee population dynamics that incorporate both chemical and spatial factors.

Students will gain hands-on experience in experimental design, ecological modelling, data analysis, and computer simulation programming. The project is ideal for candidates interested in the intersection of conservation biology and agriculture, and offers opportunities to collaborate with external partners such as Bristol City Council and the West of England Nature Partnership. The SWBio DTP is committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and can accommodate flexible working arrangements and reasonable project adaptations to ensure accessibility.

Funding for this studentship includes full tuition, a UKRI stipend of £19,237, a £16,000 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG), and £1,920 for fieldwork expenses. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant field such as biology, environmental science, or ecology. Experience in ecological modelling, data analysis, or programming is desirable. English language requirements apply for non-native speakers.

Applications should be submitted via the Swansea University postgraduate scholarships portal. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the listed supervisor with any questions regarding the project or eligibility. For full details and to apply, visit the official scholarship page linked below.