Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD Studentship at Bournemouth University (BU), United Kingdom, focusing on the application of genetic and molecular tools to assess river reconnection programmes for threatened migratory fish species.
This exciting research opportunity is based at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus and offers full funding, including tuition fees, stipend, training, and research costs.
PhD Overview
- Host Institution: Bournemouth University
- Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level: PhD
- Funding Type: Fully Funded Studentship
- Location: Talbot Campus, Bournemouth
- Start Date: 21 September 2026
- Duration: 36 Months (Full-Time)
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
Funding Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver for 36 months
- Monthly stipend for 36 months
- Research project funding
- Training and professional development support
- Access to world-class research facilities and supervision
Research Project
Freshwater ecosystems worldwide are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation caused by dams, weirs, and other barriers. These structures disrupt fish migration routes, reduce genetic diversity, and threaten long-term population survival.
This PhD project will investigate how river reconnection initiatives affect the distribution, movement, and genetic diversity of migratory fish species in the Lower River Severn Basin in western Britain.
The study will focus on species such as:
- European Shad (Alosa spp.)
- Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
- Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
- European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Using advanced molecular ecology techniques and environmental DNA (eDNA), the project will assess how these species respond to river restoration efforts and identify factors influencing their long-term survival.
Research Objectives
The successful candidate will:
- Assess the distribution of migratory fish species across the River Severn catchment.
- Use environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to monitor species populations.
- Study the effects of river barriers and reconnection schemes on fish movement.
- Investigate genetic diversity and selection pressures across different life stages.
- Analyze population responses from eggs and larvae through to adulthood.
- Focus on the genetic structure of Alosa species and their hybrids.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be UK, EU, or International students.
- Hold a First-Class Honours degree (or equivalent GPA), or
- Hold a Master’s degree with Distinction (or equivalent).
- Demonstrate strong academic potential and motivation to complete a PhD within four years.
English Language Requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide:
- IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall
- Minimum score of 6.0 in each component
Preferred Skills and Experience
Strong applicants should have:
- Knowledge of molecular ecology
- Experience with DNA extraction and PCR techniques
- Experience in DNA analysis and laboratory research
- Quantitative data analysis skills
- Proficiency in R or Python
- Experience with environmental DNA (eDNA) or DNA library construction (desirable but not mandatory)
Why Apply?
This studentship provides an opportunity to work on an important conservation research project with real-world impact. The findings will contribute to understanding how river restoration programs support threatened fish populations and biodiversity conservation.
Students will gain advanced skills in genetics, molecular ecology, bioinformatics, environmental DNA analysis, and conservation science while working with leading researchers in the field.
Interested applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure they meet all academic and language requirements.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Check other opportunities:
OIST Internship in Japan 2027 (Fully Funded)
Study in Europe: Portugal Government Scholarship 2027 Now Open
Study in Switzerland for Free: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship 2027 in Germany (Fully Funded)
African Union Youth SRH Ambassadors Initiative 2026 (Open for Applications)
GovAI Winter Fellowship 2027 in the United Kingdom (Fully Funded with £12,000 Stipend)
Council of Europe Traineeship Program 2026/27 in Europe (Paid Internship – €1,320 Monthly Stipend)
