We are currently recruiting for the following funded PhD Projects:
Exploring benthic biogeochemical cycling in the abyssal Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean
Continued demand for rare earth minerals has generated extensive interest in mining mineral-rich deposits in the deep sea. Currently, mineral mining at hydrothermal vent systems along mid ocean ridges, bathyal seamounts, polymetallic nodule areas at abyssal depths, as well as phosphorites on margins are all being considered. The small size of deep-sea organisms, the slow population growth rates and long generation times could make benthic ecosystems especially vulnerable to impacts of deep-sea mining.
This PhD project will investigate the benthic biogeochemical cycling in areas being targeted for deep-sea mining, and assess rates of seafloor chemoautotrophy, oxygen consumption and production.
Click here for more details and to apply
Integrating machine-based image analysis into the sustainable development of Scottish aquaculture (IMBASSA)
This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join a team of researchers developing and optimising automated (artificial intelligence (AI)-based) analysis of image data as applied to aquaculture developments.
This PhD combines cutting edge data collection and analysis and brings together industry (MOWI, Scottish Sea Farms) and their regulators (SEPA/NatureScot) to ensure your PhD delivers impact and enables you to build your contacts across the entire sector.
Click here for more details and to apply
Progressing harbour porpoise conservation research: optimising vessel-based and static data collection and analyses for offshore renewables and Marine Protected Area monitoring.
Scotland’s Government is increasingly seeking to develop sustainable energy resources, with numerous proposed marine renewable energy projects. Sustainable development of these projects requires monitoring programmes that deliver robust up-to-date information to assess potential impacts at appropriate spatio-temporal scales.
NatureScot is currently developing its monitoring strategy for the Inner Hebrides and the Minches Special Area of Conservation (IH&M SAC), established off western Scotland for the conservation of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). NatureScot’s monitoring strategy is anticipated to use vessel-based visual and towed-acoustic survey data collected by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), complemented by continued deployment of static acoustic recorders by the Marine Directorate, and dedicated projects to address specific data gaps.
This inter-disciplinary studentship will improve our current understanding of porpoise presence off western Scotland and substantially improve methodological approaches.
Click here for more details and to apply
Many PhDs come with full studentships, which cover fees and living expenses, so that students can focus on their research and be expected to complete their studies in 3 or 3.5 years.
Self-funded students will require to have approximately £20,000* per year for living expenses to be in line with RCUK doctoral stipends on top of the fees.
For UHI PhD projects, click here for the current fees.*
*FEES AND COSTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANNUALLY
Most of our PhD projects are registered through the University of the Highlands and Islands, and this page outlines the application procedure for UHI PhDs. Please note that we have several other doctoral training partnerships - most notably with the University of Edinburgh, and applications to these programmes follow procedures by other universities. Information regarding these can be found on the individual project adverts.
We adhere strictly to equality and diversity policies during all phases of recruitment so that we find the most talented and motivated students to join us.
Eligibility
To be eligible to study for a PhD at SAMS UHI, who need to possess - in a relevant discipline and from a reputable institution:
- A Master's qualification and / or
- A Bachelor degree with first class or upper second class honours and / or
- Another qualification or substantial experience that demonstrates your academic competence to complete doctoral training successfully (to be approved by the UHI Research Degrees Committee on the recommendation of the SAMS Director).
- Additionally, international students whose first language is not English and who do not hold a prior degree obtained in English must hold an IELTS qualification with a score of 6 or over in every section with a minimum score of 6.5 overall (6+ in writing), gained within two years prior to your registration date.
How to Apply
Most importantly you need to have identified an approved PhD project (including a Director of Studies / supervisory team) that you are unquestionably excited by. This can be a ready made project advertised on these pages OR a proposal you have developed with a SAMS supervisor and have funding for.
If you wish to apply for an advertised studentship you will find this under the ‘Funded Projects’ tab. Please complete the application form provided in the advertisement.
Return your completed application to the email stated on the form, accompanied by your cv and any supporting documentation listed below. Please submit your whole application as one pdf. Your referees should use the reference form provided and also return it to the email stated on the application form.
Supporting Documentation Required
The following documents should be emailed with your application and CV as one pdf file:
- Copies of all official qualification certificates and transcripts. If your official certificates/transcripts are not in English, they must be accompanied by a full certified translation provided by a professional translator/translation company.
- If English is not your native language, an English language test certificate (IELTS or equivalent), gained within the past two years;
- If you are not a UK national, a copy of the photo page of your passport. Also include any pages which indicate a right of abode in the UK;
- 2 academic references. If references are not available at the time of submission, they can be excluded from the single pdf file, however applicants are responsible for ensuring their referees submit the references to the email given on the application form by the deadline.
- If you wish to apply for more than one project, please submit separate applications.
Most PhD students will want to meet their potential supervisors to discuss the project, their personal suitability and to ascertain that they will be able to work together for a prolonged period of time.
For administrative issues, your first and main point of contact is the Postgraduate Academic Support Administrator who can be contacted by email to: phd@sams.ac.uk
The SAMS graduate school is convened by marine deep-sea ecologist and microplastic researcher, Professor Bhavani Narayanaswamy:
E: Bhavani.Narayanaswamy@sams.ac.uk T: +44 (0) 1631 559 305 (direct)