About the Project
Project Overview:
Discover the ecology of the Lower Guinea Basin, one of the world’s most biodiverse yet least studied ecosystems. This PhD offers unique datasets, training in cutting-edge ecological analysis and opportunities to shape real-world conservation, while developing highly transferable skills for careers in research, environmental management or global biodiversity policy.
Project Description:
Freshwater ecosystems in the Lower Guinea Basin are among the most biodiverse on Earth, yet remain underexplored compared to temperate systems. This PhD offers a rare opportunity to work with ecological datasets from three contrasting river catchments (forest, savannah–forest and savannah), sampled in both wet and dry seasons. Samples span the full food web, including plants, detritus, invertebrates, fish and particulate matter, providing a foundation for comprehensive ecological analysis. These data allow to establish the structure and functioning of entire food webs in globally important systems, offering insights rarely possible elsewhere. The project also identifies differences and trajectories of ecological change, helping anticipate the impacts of climate change and other pressures on tropical rivers. The student uses stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) to map energy pathways and trophic interactions, testing whether foundational ecological concepts (e.g. the River Continuum Concept) and biodiversity (e.g. function relationships) hold true in Afrotropical systems. The project is structured around three chapters: (1) seasonal and spatial contrasts across rivers, using isotope data with functional trait analysis linked to system physical functioning; (2) testing ecological theory through advanced modelling approaches (e.g. Bayesian belief networks) applied to isotopes, traits and biodiversity metrics; and (3) exploring methane-producing bacteria as overlooked drivers of productivity, using isotopic signatures of methane-derived carbon linked to floodplain connectivity. The project delivers insights into conservation planning in tropical systems, while providing the student with cutting-edge training and the opportunity to contribute to an international research community at the interface of ecology, conservation and global change.
This project will be located in the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences at the University of Southampton.
Training:
The IGNITE programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners.
Training will be provided in: stable isotope analysis and mass spectrometry, Bayesian belief modelling, Afrotropical fish ecology, spatial mapping, academic writing and publication. The student will be embedded in Dr Dominguez Almela’s lab group, as well as broadening their network and training through engagement with Dr South’s lab group (University of Leeds).
Entry Requirements:
A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject. See international equivalent qualifications on the University’s website: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/international/entry-qualification-equivalencies. English language: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. We accept other English language tests: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
How to apply:
All applications to the IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award should be submitted by 11:59pm on Thursday 8th January 2026. Please use the following link to apply for either the full time or part time programme:
We advise you to contact the lead supervisor of a project to discuss the project and check your suitability before submitting an application. You are strongly advised to apply for one project so that you can tailor your application to the project but you can apply for a maximum of two projects. Both UK and international students are eligible to apply for an IGNITE award. However, NERC stipulates that a maximum of 30% of IGNITE studentships (usually 5 studentships per year) can be provided to international applicants so competition for these studentships is very high. We welcome applications from applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds but recognise systemic barriers to entry into postgraduate research for certain groups. To support this, IGNITE has an opt-in guaranteed interview scheme for qualifying UK applicants who self-identify as racially minoritised (i.e., come from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background). Please contact nerc-dla@soton.ac.uk once you have submitted a complete application to opt into this scheme.
IGNITE DLA Webinar
Watch the IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award webinar here. Find out more about the IGNITE DLA programme, the application process and what happens if you are shortlisted for interview.
Funding Notes
The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award funds PhD researchers for 3.5 years, full- or part-time. An IGNITE DLA studentship includes a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for the academic year 2025/26). Funding covers Home tuition fees; the difference between Home and International tuition fees will be waived by the University. The IGNITE DLA provides a Research Training Support Grant of £2200 per year (£7700 across the 3.5 years) to be used on small project costs, conference attendance and individual training needs.
References
Chapters 1-2 related reference: Walsh, G., Pease, A.A., Woodford, D.J., Stiassny, M.L., Gaugris, J.Y. and South, J., 2022. Functional diversity of afrotropical fish communities across river gradients in the Republic of Congo, west central Africa. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10, p.981960. Chapter 3 related reference: Soto, D.X., Decru, E., Snoeks, J., Verheyen, E., Van de Walle, L., Bamps, J., Mambo, T. and Bouillon, S., 2019. Terrestrial contributions to Afrotropical aquatic food webs: The Congo River case. Ecology and Evolution, 9(18), pp.10746-10757. Stable isotopes related reference: Dominguez Almela, V., South, J. and Britton, J.R., 2021. Predicting the competitive interactions and trophic niche consequences of a globally invasive fish with threatened native species. Journal of Animal Ecology, 90(11), pp.2651-2662.
