Multiple Stressor Impacts on Physiological Responses of Individuals in an Ecological Context

This project is part of the NERC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ECOWILD. For more details, and for a full list of projects offered under this programme, please visit:  https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/

This is an exciting project at the intersection of ecotoxicology and ecology to investigate the impacts of multiple stressors. A range of anthropogenic stressors will be investigated for their effects on UK native amphibian species, both in the context of single species exposures and as part of amphibian communities. These charismatic organisms are integral to wetland ecosystems, relying on both aquatic and terrestrial compartments to complete their life-cycle. The project will encompass both mesocoms and field-based approaches to answer fundamental questions central to developing a better understanding for the real-world impacts of multiple stressors. The supervisory team comprises: Multiple stressor/amphibian ecotoxicologist (Orton, Heriot-Watt), freshwater ecotoxicologist (Henry, Heriot-Watt), mesocosm/multiple stressor aquatic ecologist (Jackson, Oxford) and expertise in amphibian conservation and habitat restoration (Smart, Froglife).

Amphibians are declining globally, with 40% of species threatened with extinction, which is higher than for any other vertebrate taxa. The pattern of declines are also observed in the UK, where three species out of the seven native species (i.e. 43%): (natterjack toad [Epidalea calamita], common toad [Bufo bufo], great crested newt [Triturus cristatus]) have experienced considerable declines over the past 50 years (and are legally protected). Therefore, there is a need to better understand the role of multiple anthropogenic stressors in driving these declines.

The student will work across disciplines, and therefore, will gain a wide range of knowledge and skills. From the experimental design perspective, they will learn both the theory and practical application of designing and conducting multiple stressor experiments. Further, they will learn how to set-up and run mesocosm experiments effectively, in order to carry out these exposures, as well as the application of associated research questions using field-based approaches. Laboratory skills include: amphibian husbandry, molecular biology (eDNA, rt-qPCR) and analysis of behavioural responses. 

Funding

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees for Home students and provide an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (£19,795 in 2025-26) for the 44 months duration of the project.

International candidates may apply but if successful, will need to demonstrate that they (or their supervisory team) have co-funding to cover the difference between home and international fees to be eligible. The difference in fees varies by programme. The current difference for 2024/25 academic year is approximately £20,000 per year.

Supervisors

Dr Frances Orton – Heriot Watt University

Professor Theodore Henry – Heriot-Watt University

Dr Andrew Smart – Froglife

Dr Michelle Jackson – University of Oxford

Eligibility

This project is available to home and overseas students*. Applicants typically should have a first or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters’ qualification or similar experience.

Essential Skills:

• Field-based skills
• Laboratory skills
• Data analysis

We recognise that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.

*Due to CDT funding rules and Institutional policies, there is a cap on the number of scholarships that can be awarded to international students. Once this limit has been reached, ECOWILD CDT scholarship will only be awarded to students who are eligible for Home fee status.

English Language Requirements

Overseas students must be able to provide proof of their ability in the English language.

We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

How to Apply

For information on how to apply, please visit the ECOWILD website: https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/how-to-apply/

For project specific enquiries, please contact f.orton@hw.ac.uk

For general enquiries or technical support with your application, please contact ecowild@hw.ac.uk

Timelines

The closing date for applications is 5pm GMT Thursday 9th January, and applicants must be available to start in October 2025.