PhD studentship: Effects of underwater sound on aquatic invertebrates
 Fixed Term for 3 years
Supervisor: Dr. Karen Diele (for further details, please contact: k.diele@napier.ac.uk)
Co-Supervisors: Dr. Rob Briers, Prof. Mark Darlison
 Research Project
Many aquatic animals use natural sound for, e.g., communication, navigation and predator detection. Levels of introduced anthropogenic underwater sounds have increased significantly over the last century and anthropogenic noise is now recognized as a significant stressor for marine and freshwater fauna. The responses of invertebrate taxa (and communities) to underwater noise have recently been highlighted as a major gap in knowledge by the Convention of Biological Diversity. The proposed interdisciplinary PhD project will investigate the effects of anthropogenic noise on selected invertebrate species (as a single stressor and in combination with other stressors). The study could involve both lab and field experiments and will address short-term and longer-term effects. Measured response parameters will include behaviour, growth and reproduction, metabolic stress and gene expression.
 This PhD studentship is funded by Edinburgh Napier University and MASTS (Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland) and will cover tuition fees and stipend (£13,726 p.a.) for three years. The successful candidate will be a member of the MASTS Graduate School (http://www.masts.ac.uk). The studentship will start in January 2014 and is open to UK and EU students. Non-UK/EU residents are also eligible, provided that they cover the difference between the home/EU and overseas tuition fees. EU and non-EU applicants must prove competency in English.
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in aquatic biology and in researching a topic relevant to conservation and environmental change mitigation. The applicant will hold a master degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant field such as marine or freshwater biology, fisheries biology, environmental biology, or ecology. A first or upper second class undergraduate honours degree will also be considered. The candidate will have experience with aquarium techniques and cultivation methods, a solid background in experimental design and good data analysis skills, and have at least a basic knowledge of molecular biological techniques.
Please download and complete the electronic application form for âadvertised studentshipsâ http://www.napier.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/Pages/Apply.aspx by clicking on the Apply button below.
Completed application forms should be emailed to Jane Wilhelm (j.wilhelm@napier.ac.uk) by 6 pm on Monday 21st October 2013.
Interviews will be held during the first week of November.
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