PhD Studentship: Swamped – Is Crassula helmsii a Significant Threat to Wetland Biodiversity? University of Plymouth in United Kingdom

[Fully-funded ARIES studentship for 3.5 years, including tuition fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26, 2026/27 rate TBC), and research costs.] This PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth investigates whether the invasive plant Crassula helmsii poses a significant threat to wetland biodiversity, with a particular focus on invertebrate communities. Biological invasions are a major concern for global biodiversity, and freshwaters are especially vulnerable, hosting a large proportion of invertebrate species and providing essential ecosystem services. Crassula helmsii, originally from Australasia, has been aggressively invading European freshwater habitats for over three decades, leading to substantial changes in floristic diversity. However, its impact on invertebrates, especially those inhabiting seasonally flooded wetland margins, remains poorly understood. This project aims to fill this knowledge gap by quantitatively assessing the ecological effects of Crassula on wetland invertebrates through a combination of fieldwork and laboratory experiments. Fieldwork will be conducted at established sites with prior aquatic community investigations, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of Crassula’s ecological impacts. The successful candidate will receive training in freshwater invertebrate biology, experimental design, and advanced statistical analysis, gaining hands-on experience in both field and laboratory settings. The project also offers opportunities to act as a university demonstrator and to disseminate research findings through written and oral presentations, enhancing employability and professional skills. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree in Biological or Environmental Science or a relevant Masters qualification. Experience in invertebrate taxonomy and identification, as well as training in biostatistics, is desirable but not essential. Candidates must be enthusiastic about fieldwork, numerate, literate, and ideally possess a UK-valid driving licence. Non-native English speakers must meet the programme’s minimum English language requirements (IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component). The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26, with the 2026/27 rate to be confirmed), and research costs. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, with interviews to follow for shortlisted candidates. For further information or informal discussion, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Professor David Bilton at [email protected].