PhD to Assess Spatial and Temporal Approaches to Managing Scallop Fisheries for Environmental and Commercial Sustainability Bangor University in United Kingdom

[Full tuition fees covered; stipend of £20,000 (2025/26) and £21,000 (2026/27 and 2027/28); partial funding confirmed, full funding expected; funded time at Heriot-Watt University; participation in annual Welsh scallop survey included.] Bangor University, in partnership with Welsh Government and Heriot-Watt University, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the spatial, temporal, and rotational management of the Welsh scallop fishery. The project aims to support the achievement of Good Environmental Status while maintaining a viable commercial fishery. The successful candidate will join the Sustainable Fisheries Research Group at Bangor University, renowned for its work in sustainable fisheries and collaboration with government and industry. The research will involve biological data collection, ecosystem assessments, fishery-independent and fishery-dependent surveys, and the development of management strategies. The student will participate in annual Welsh scallop surveys and may access broader UK/EU datasets. The project will model scallop distribution, productivity, and habitat suitability, assess growth rates under varying environmental conditions, study recruitment and movement of pre-recruits, compare natural seafloor disturbance with fishing impacts, and develop innovative management options. The student will be based at Bangor University with funded time at Heriot-Watt University, benefiting from a strong interdisciplinary team and access to extensive resources. The stipend is £20,000 for the first year and £21,000 for subsequent years, with all tuition fees covered. The position starts in November 2025. Applicants should have a background in biology, environmental science, or a related field, and demonstrate critical thinking, independence, and a commitment to open science. Applications should include a CV and cover letter addressing the personal specification. Interviews will be held online in late October. For further information, contact Dr. Natalie Hold at [email protected].