We are currently recruiting for the following funded PhD Project:
Combined effects of climate change and metal exposure to physiological adaptation in early life stages of Christmas Island land crabs in wetland ecosystems
Christmas Island is a unique and vulnerable habitat dominated by evolutionary expansion in land crabs exploiting the absence of predatory threats common on other tropical island habitats. Two of the wetland systems on Christmas Island are internally recognised for their importance through the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the mangroves at Hosnies Springs, and The Dales wetland system.
Understanding complex multi-stressor conditions in light of climate change and increasing pollution pressure on crab reproduction and early life stages will provide valuable insight into their vulnerability or resilience to future climate conditions and deepen our understanding into the mechanisms of their adaptive success at a genetic and physiological level.
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 £16,000* 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
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)