NERC ECOWILD Centre for Doctoral Training

This PhD project, hosted at Heriot-Watt University as part of the NERC-funded ECOWILD Centre for Doctoral Training, investigates the influence of particle-toxicant interactions on toxicant bioavailability and toxicity in the tropical estuarine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis within mangrove wetlands. The research addresses how aquatic toxicity is shaped by the bioavailability of substances, particularly focusing on the sorption and desorption of toxicants to particles, and their transformation via photoactivation and microbial processes. As these particles travel to river mouths and mangrove wetlands, rapid salinity changes can significantly alter toxicant-particle associations, impacting bioavailability and toxicity.

The project leverages a well-established amphipod model and custom-built test chambers to explore these critical, yet understudied, aspects of environmental toxicology. The supervisory team, led by Dr Theodore Henry and including experts from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, University of York, and University of Campinas, brings extensive experience in mangrove ecosystem research and international collaborations, ensuring access to field sites and advanced methodologies.

This research is highly novel, addressing one of the most poorly understood areas in ecotoxicology: the role of particle-substance interactions in determining toxicant bioavailability to aquatic organisms. The findings will inform ecological protection efforts and contribute to international conventions such as Ramsar and the UN Environment Programme, particularly in the context of pollution in mangroves—ecosystems facing severe threats from pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, with preference for those with a related Masters’ qualification or equivalent experience. The selection process is inclusive, considering individual circumstances such as parental leave, caring duties, or disabilities. International candidates are welcome but must secure co-funding to cover the difference between home and international tuition fees (currently about £20,000 per year). English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0; or TOEFL 85 overall with minimum section scores).

The scholarship covers full tuition fees for Home students and provides an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommendations (£20,780 for 2025-26) for 44 months. The application deadline is 5pm BST, Tuesday 5 May 2026, with interviews expected between 26 May and 5 June. Successful candidates should be available to start in October 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the ECOWILD website. Project-specific enquiries can be directed to Dr Theodore Henry at [email protected].