About the Project
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the Red-ALERT CDT, hosted by the University of Exeter for entry in September 2025.
Overview of the Research:
Chemical pollution is one of the most significant challenges to the health of freshwater ecosystems. This is exacerbated by the presence of other stressors, which result in complex exposure scenarios where multiple chemicals as well as a range of abiotic and biotic stressors act in combination, compromising the health of wildlife populations and ecosystems. However, the datasets used for wildlife management and protection are typically based on single chemical exposures under controlled laboratory conditions, which do not reflect environmental reality. Additionally, analyses often rely on biomarkers that report specific adverse effects, failing to provide a holistic view of the impacts of chemicals and their mixtures on the holobiome—the combination of the organism and its associated microbes. Considering the impacts of stressors on holobiomes as dynamic ecological units may offer more sensitive indicators of ecosystem function and health compared to traditional approaches in ecotoxicology.
This project aims to address this knowledge gap by developing an innovative framework to evaluate chemical pollution in natural environments. Using Daphnia pulex as a model invertebrate, the student will assess how chemicals (and their mixtures) affect aquatic invertebrate populations in freshwater catchments. The project will first document the natural dynamics of the holobiome over the life cycle of Daphnia pulex. Subsequently, Daphnia will be exposed to individual chemicals and their mixtures, and alterations in its holobiome will be measured to understand the holistic responses of organisms to these stressors. Finally, this novel framework will be applied to the real time environmental stressors relevant to Southwest rivers to understand the consequences of anthropogenic challenges on the living communities inhabiting those ecosystems.
Project Keywords: Freshwater; invertebrates; genomics; holobiome
Industrial Partner:
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the industrial partner on this project, with collaboration from the Environment Agency.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in biosciences or a related discipline and an interest in ecotoxicology and genomics. Practical experience in ecotoxicology; molecular biology, genomics or bioinformatics will be an advantage but training will be provided in all aspects of the project.
A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
*Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement prior to a formal offer being made.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form prior to the closing date of this advert.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a NERC Red-ALERT studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (ÂŁ19,237 p/a in 2024/5) and access to a training support budget.
