Expanding network ecology in freshwater ecosystems

Project Description

Research in freshwater ecosystems has always had a strong focus on ecological interactions. The vast majority of studies, however, have investigated trophic interactions and food webs, overlooking a wider suite of non-trophic interactions (e.g. facilitation, competition, symbiosis and parasitism) and the ecological networks they form. Without a complete understanding of all potential interactions, ranging from mutualistic through to antagonistic, we may be missing important ecological processes with consequences for our understanding of ecosystem assembly, structure and function.

Ecological networks can be constructed at different scales, from genes to ecosystems, but also local to global, and as such there is significant opportunity to put them to work in freshwater research. To expand beyond food webs, we need to leverage technological and methodological advances and look to recent research in marine and terrestrial systems—which are far more advanced in terms of detecting, measuring and contextualising ecological interactions.

PhD projects in this area of research could investigate any aspect of ecological interactions or the networks they form, in still or flowing waters across the globe. Particular areas of expertise and interest are:

1. Interactions under extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high or low temperatures, mountain streams, polluted waters)

2. Mechanisms underlying ecological interactions (i.e., why do they occur and who is positively or negatively impacted)

3. Indirect effects of ecological interactions (e.g., apparent competition)

4. Spatial and meta-networks (e.g., patch dynamics)

Candidates would join the Freshwater Networks Laboratory in the Organisms and Environment Research Division at Cardiff University – a thriving a diverse group of researchers working on interactions and networks across ecosystems. Bespoke training would be provided in a range of techniques, from invertebrate and vertebrate taxonomy, through to molecular methods and image analysis.

How to apply: 

You can apply online – consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD in Biosciences

Please use our online application service at https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md

Please specify that you are applying for this particular project, the supervisor and source of funding.

Information on the application process can be found here

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying

Academic criteria: Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, Applicants with a lower second class will only be considered if they also have a Master’s degree. Please check the entry requirements of the home institution for each project of interest before completing an application. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.

English requirements: If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements of the university that will host your PhD by the start of the programme. Please refer to the relevant university website for further information.