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Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD studentship at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom titled “Application of genetic and molecular tools for assessing outcomes of river reconnection programmes for diadromous species.”

This research project will use the lower River Severn basin in western Britain as its focal study area to examine how river reconnection programmes influence threatened migratory fish species.

The project combines environmental DNA (eDNA), molecular ecology, genetics, and conservation science to assess how species respond to restored river connectivity following the installation of fish passes and modifications to river barriers.

Summary

• Programme Name: Bournemouth University PhD Studentship – Application of Genetic and Molecular Tools for Assessing Outcomes of River Reconnection Programmes for Diadromous Species
• Host Institution: Bournemouth University
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Campus: Talbot Campus
• Study Level: PhD
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Duration: 36 Months (Completion within 48 Months)
• Eligible Applicants: UK, EU and International Students
• Programme Start Date: 21 September 2026
• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

About the PhD Project

Habitat fragmentation is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems. Rivers worldwide have been heavily fragmented by dams and weirs, restricting fish migration, reducing gene flow, and threatening long-term population sustainability.

This PhD will investigate how threatened migratory fish species respond to river reconnection schemes that have already been completed in the lower River Severn basin.

The project will focus on species including:

• European shads (Alosa spp.)
• Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
• Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
• European eel (Anguilla anguilla)

Funding Benefits

According to Bournemouth University, the funding package includes:

• Tuition fee waiver for 36 months
• Stipend for 36 months
• Research costs for the project
• Training costs throughout the programme

Research Objectives

The project will:

• Assess the spatial and temporal distributions of migratory fish species within the River Severn basin
• Evaluate how river barriers influence species distributions
• Apply novel environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to study juvenile sea lamprey populations
• Quantify selection pressures acting on different life stages of migratory fish species
• Investigate Alosa species and their hybrids across egg, larval, juvenile, and adult stages

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic potential through either a First Class Honours degree (or equivalent GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction (or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge and enthusiasm for molecular ecology
• Strong troubleshooting abilities
• Direct experience in DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and downstream DNA analyses
• Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in R or Python
• An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component if English is not their first language

The university states that prior experience in constructing DNA libraries, particularly for environmental DNA (eDNA) applications, is desirable but not essential.

Required Documents

The official application requires applicants to submit:

• A completed online application
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Supporting personal statement
• Evidence of English language proficiency (where applicable)
• Any additional supporting documents requested by Bournemouth University during the application process

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Open the official Bournemouth University PhD studentship page.

Step 2

Select the Apply Now option on the studentship page.

Step 3

Prepare all required academic and supporting documents.

Step 4

Submit your online application before the deadline.

Step 5

Upload evidence of English language proficiency if required.

Step 6

Wait for communication from Bournemouth University regarding the next stages of assessment and selection.

Postgraduate Research Development Opportunities

The university states that the programme provides substantial training opportunities, including advanced development in:

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques
• Population genetics
• Molecular ecology
• Data analysis
• Scientific publishing
• Presenting research findings at international scientific conferences and symposia

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Programme Start Date: 21 September 2026
• Funding Duration: 36 Months

Related Opportunities

• DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programmes in Germany 2026
• University of Warwick Postgraduate Research Scholarships in UK 2027
• Curtin University RTP Scholarship in Australia 2027

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This is a highly specialised research opportunity for applicants with strong backgrounds in molecular ecology, genetics, environmental science, fisheries science, biology, or related disciplines.

At AK Travels LTD, we encourage applicants to carefully assess the technical requirements before applying, especially the expected laboratory experience in DNA analysis and quantitative data analysis using R or Python.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com