David Bilton

The University of Plymouth, in partnership with the ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership, is offering six fully funded PhD opportunities within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences. These studentships address urgent research questions in marine, coastal, and ecological sciences, including topics such as wetland biodiversity threats from invasive species (Crassula helmsii), the impacts of heatwaves on UK coastal biodiversity, anthropogenic effects on European sea bass growth and protein metabolism, disease ecology in seagrass (Phytophthora gemini in Zostera marina), the influence of seabird nest abundance and spatial distribution on ecosystem processes, and the connection between functional diversity and resilience in vulnerable marine ecosystems. Supervision is provided by a team of experienced academics: Prof David Bilton, Dr Robert Puschendorf, and Dr Pete Cotton, all affiliated with the University of Plymouth. The projects are designed for candidates with backgrounds in biology, environmental science, marine science, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, relevant research experience, and proficiency in English. Funding for these PhD positions is comprehensive, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend for living expenses. The studentships are open to UK and eligible international applicants. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, with successful candidates commencing their studies on 1 October 2026. Interested candidates should visit the University of Plymouth's postgraduate research studentships webpage for detailed project descriptions and application instructions. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful research in marine and environmental sciences, supported by a leading UK institution and a collaborative doctoral training partnership.

[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].

[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.] Project Overview: This fully-funded PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth investigates the ecological impact of the invasive plant Crassula helmsii on wetland biodiversity, with a particular focus on invertebrate communities. Biological invasions are a major threat to global biodiversity, and European freshwaters have been especially affected by Crassula helmsii over the past three decades. While its effects on floristic diversity are well documented, the consequences for invertebrate diversity—especially those inhabiting seasonally flooded wetland margins—remain poorly understood. Research Context: The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding how Crassula alters community composition and ecosystem function in wetlands. Previous research suggests that fully aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity and biomass may not decline drastically following invasion, but the impact on specialist wetland invertebrates is unknown. This research will provide urgently needed quantitative data to inform conservation management and policy decisions. Methodology: The successful candidate will employ a combination of fieldwork and laboratory experiments in established study sites, building on prior investigations of aquatic communities. The project will use advanced experimental design and biostatistical analyses to assess the mechanistic bases for the spread and control of invasive species. Training will be provided in freshwater invertebrate biology, experimental design, and both univariate and multivariate ecological data analysis. Training & Development: The studentship offers comprehensive training, including hands-on fieldwork with experienced scientists, opportunities to act as a university demonstrator, and dissemination of research findings through written and oral presentations. The skills and competencies developed will enhance employability across a wide range of sectors. Funding: The ARIES studentship covers full tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26, with the 2026/27 rate to be confirmed), and research costs for 3.5 years. Eligibility & Requirements: Applicants must 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 is desirable but not essential, as is training in biostatistics. Candidates should be keen to conduct fieldwork, be numerate and 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, no less than 5.5 in each component). Application Process: Applications should be submitted via the University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training webpage. Required supporting documents must be uploaded as specified. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. For informal enquiries, contact Professor David Bilton at [email protected]. Key Dates: Application deadline: 7 January 2026. Studentship start date: 1 October 2026.