Agriculture and the Environment: Fully funded PhD in the BBSRC Molecular basis for differential susceptibility to stress in freshwater invertebrates (RS720)

Funding providers: BBSRC (50% BBSRC and 50% faculty) 

Subject areas: Agriculture and the Environment, Animal Behaviour and In Vivo Studies. 

Project start date(s): 

• 1st October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: 

Dr Eduarda Santos; (Universioty of Exeter)

Dr Tamsyn URen Webster (Swansea University)

Dr Eva Sonnenschein (Swansea University )

Dr Anke Lange ( University Exeter)

Aligned programme of study: Integrated PhD programme (BBSRC DTP)

Mode of study: Full or Part-time study is possible. 

Project description: 

Applications must be made to the University of Exeter here. 

Living organisms are continuously exposed to environmental stressors that affect their health, survival and ability to reproduce. In some highly stressful environments however, such as heavily polluted ecosystems that would be expected to cause high mortality rates, populations are thriving. This phenomenon has been attributed for the most part to genetic adaptation, but in many cases the extend of genetic adaptation observed isinsufficient to explain the level of stressor resistance seen. Epigenetic changes contributing to phenotypic plasticity and microbiome-extension of host adaptive phenotypic plasticity are two likely important, andinteracting, contributing mechanisms, but remain poorly characterised. Addressing this knowledge gap will provide novel and fascinating insight into how organisms interact with their environment in order to overcomeadverse conditions and result in important knowledge to understand the consequences of exposure to stressors in natural and anthropogenic environments. The applications of this knowledge are vast and range from improvement of the resilience and welfare of farmed animals, contributing to food security, to a better management of the sustainability of wild populations and preserving biodiversity. This project will address the following questions: How do organisms cope with stressors in their environment? What are the molecular mechanisms employed to allow survival under stressful conditions? What are the temporal dynamics and broader consequences of the alterations seen? The student will test the hypothesis that epigenetic variation and microbiome plasticity, in addition to genetic adaptation, contribute to stressor tolerance. The student will use Daphnia pulex, a keystone small crustacean species in freshwaters, as a model system. We have already identified a number of natural Daphnia populations with extensive metal tolerance, which is partly heritable in clean conditions and partly due to plasticity. Metals are particularly interesting because they constitute one of the most common contaminants in freshwater systems while many metals are also essential elements within the body, and therefore they will be used as an exemplar stressor in this project. The student will be able to utilise this unique biological resource to investigate how their genome, epigenome and microbiome quantitatively account for metal tolerance and whether tolerance to a specific metal is developed at the expense of loss of fitness (growth; reproduction; survival; resistance to other stressors).

For more eligibility information, please follow the link provided. 

Eligibility – SWBiosciences Doctoral Training Partnership

ATAS

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with the scholarship course offer.

Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£19,237 p/a in 2024/25) plus an allowance for research/training costs, fieldwork, conference attendance and a 3-month placement. 

• CV 
• Degree certificates and transcripts 
• A cover letter 
• Two references 
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable)
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

*For ALL scholarship applications from February 2023 an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Monitoring Form is required.

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Tamsyn Uren Webster (t.m.urenwebster@swansea.ac.uk) 

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) 

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.