About the Project
OVERVIEW
Biological invasions are a key driver of global change, causing irreversible ecosystem change, biodiversity loss and enormous economic burden. Ecological impact exerted is defined as any measurable change in native species populations. It is a global research priority to better understand what factors affect impact magnitude to predict where, when and which species will become damaging. Doing so will facilitate better biosecurity legislation creation. Currently there is no suitable way of predicting ecological impact that robustly accounts for time and space context dependencies – e.g. 1) population level changes and individual variation in morphology, 2) time since invasion and abundance, 3) native species pool or 4) climate change.
This project forms part of a Future Leaders Fellowship and will focus on freshwater species, as they are experiencing the highest levels of biodiversity loss, due to invasive species and climate change – but are overlooked in conservation policy. The aim of the project is to determine and predict what factors drive high ecological impact of an invasive species from the individual to ecosystem, accounting for context dependencies of time and space. Trophic interactions and their magnitudes shape ecological communities and will be used as a proxy for impact, the candidate will design and complete twinned laboratory experiments and fieldwork campaigns in the UK and abroad to unravel the complexities of predicting impact.
The objectives are:
- Determine whether morphological functional traits change along a core – edge gradient
- Determine whether physiological functional traits change along a core – edge gradient
- Quantify whether changes in morphological traits confer different ecological impact and which trait values are correlated to impact magnitude on different resources
- Develop a predictive risk assessment framework which incorporates individual phenotypic variation
APPROACH
A mixed approach, using comparative functional response, respirometry, and behavioural assays will be used in laboratory-based experiments to compare impact of geographically distinct populations of invasive modules with known invasion dates and contemporary and historical field abundance to predict impact change over time. Field campaigns will be used to determine whether laboratory predictions scale to natural systems. Linear and geometric eco-morphology and trait-based approaches to community ecology will be used to understand and quantify differences community level impacts across geographic regions.
IMPACT
The outcomes of this research will vastly improve the capacity to combat biodiversity loss caused by invasive species, and address global challenges related to food security and human livelihoods. The potential impacts of this PhD project will span fundamental science, biodiversity policy, invasion management, fisheries management, and public engagement with biodiversity. The work will have broad appeal for conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and international policy.
TRAINING
You will be incorporated into a thriving and supportive cross-disciplinary research team. The candidate will be benefit from support by international collaborators specialising in theoretical developments and application in ecomorphology, taxonomy, functional ecology, and trophic ecology with regards to invasion science.
You will benefit from the broad range of expertise within the School of Biology, and from being a member of water@leeds – a globally leading centre for interdisciplinary water research. You will gain valuable experience in developing research that can support policy making by both national and international bodies. You will also have access to internal training workshops that cover technical and broader professional development skills, and you will present your research at international scientific conferences.
Eligibility
Applicants should have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in biology/ecology/zoology/conservation or other appropriate discipline. A Master’s degree that is relevant to aquatic ecology, predictive ecology, community ecology or invasion science is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with skills and interest in quantitative approaches. Experience in R stats and mixed effects modelling is desirable. Willingness and ability to work outside, driving licence, and publications viewed as a plus.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Biological Sciences minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests are:
- British Council IELTS – score of 6.0 overall, with no element less than 5.5
How to apply
To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a cover letter
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks
- Evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)
To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
- Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
- Please state “Faculty Funded Scholarship” when asked for source of funding
For more information about the project, please email Dr Josie South:
For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:
Funding Notes
This scholarship is funded by the Faculty of Biological Sciences. The scholarship will provide academic fees at the UK rate, as well as a stipend matching the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) for up to three and a half years. Due to limited funding we can only consider applicants eligible to pay academic fees at the UK fee rate. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact the admissions team: fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk for more information.
References
Catford JA et al. 2022. Trends Ecol. Evol. 37:2.
Renault D et al. 2022. STOTEN. 834: 155102.
South J et al. 2022. Ecol. Indicators.142: 109260.
Spear et al 2021. BioScience
