PhD Studentship
Bucking the trend: the biological causes and consequences of a colonising pollinator
Plymouth University -The Faculty of Science and Technology
DoS: Dr Mairi Knight (mairi.knight@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 584636)
Co-supervisors: Dr Jon Ellis (Manchester Metropolitan University, J.Ellis@mmu.ac.uk, tel.: 0161 2476209); Professor Dave Goulson (University of Stirling, dave.goulson@stir.ac.uk , tel.:01786 467759); Dr Mark Brown (Royal Holloway University of London, mark.brown@rhul.ac.uk , tel.: 01784 276443)
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on October 1st 2012.
Project Description
Changes in our climate are increasingly bringing about dramatic and currently largely unpredictable changes in the distribution and abundance of a wide range of different taxa. Understanding the factors and processes underlying these changes and shifts is thus a central theme in current biological research.
The bumblebee Bombus hypnorum was first officially recorded in the UK in southern England in 2001 and has since spread prolifically: it is already both abundant and widespread across all of England and parts of Wales. The underlying reasons for its success are of significant interest as this expansion defies equally dramatic and recent high-profile declines in many native bumblebee species, both in the UK and globally. It is highly probable that this rapid 'explosive' colonisation has had significant impact on populations of native species but as yet this is unknown. Representing one of the major pollinator guilds, bumblebees contribute significantly to both our natural and managed ecosystems as 'engineers' so understanding the underlying drivers of changes in their abundance and diversity is particularly important. The project's specific aims are to investigate the nature of this colonisation and identify the potential underlying reasons for its success.
While the project will demand that a significant proportion of time is spent in the field an equally important element to the project is having an interest, aptitude and enthusiasm for laboratory based work. In particular the successful candidate will employ genetic techniques to comparatively assess various aspects of the colonisation dynamics.
Eligibility
Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,590 per annum, however, international applicants can apply provided they can cover the difference between Home/UK and overseas tuition fees.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Mairi Knight by emailmairi.knight@plymouth.ac.uk However, applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduateApplicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship, C.V., and 2 references to Catherine Johnson, Faculty of Science and Technology Research Office, Room A425, Portland Square, Plymouth PL4 8AA or email catherine.johnson@plymouth.ac.uk
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews during the week starting Monday 3 September 2012. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 28 August 2012 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 15 August 2012
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