[MARMAM] PhD Studentship Opportunity: Grey Seal Behaviour, Durham University, UK

[s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk]

Announcing a PhD Studentship Opportunity in Grey Seal Behaviour at Durham 
University, UK:

The Institute of Ecosystem Science at the School of Biological and Biomedical 
Sciences, Durham University, is seeking candidates for a PhD studentship.  One 
potential project is described below:

STUDENTSHIP TITLE: Interactions between fine scale habitat, reproductive 
success and social behaviour in breeding grey seals (Halichoerus grypus).

SUPERVISORS: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham University), Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, 
University of St. Andrews), Professor A. R. Hoelzel (Durham University).

CASE PARTNERS: The National Trust.

STUDENTSHIP SUMMARY: 
Fine scale habitat features are important determinants of individual behaviour 
and reproductive success in breeding grey seals. This project will examine in 
detail the relative importance of habitat structure and female social status 
for the behaviour and success of individually identified female grey seals at 
the Farne islands (UK). The work will require; detailed and prolonged field 
based behavioural observations, compilation and maintenance of a photo-ID 
database, habitat mapping, spatial data manipulation and analyses within a GIS, 
statistical analyses (including quantifying social associations and habitat 
preferences), and the ability to organise and conduct fieldwork in remote, 
isolated locations. 

STUDENTSHIP LOCATION: 
The student will be based at Durham University (see www.durham.ac.uk), but will 
spend three field-seasons (approximately 4-6weeks each) on the Farne islands 
off the Northumberland coast.

ALLOCATION OF STUDENTSHIP AND FUNDING: 
Only one applicant will be appointed. The successful applicant will choose from 
one of 5 potential studentship titles on offer within the ‘Institute of 
Ecosystem Science’. Whichever project is selected will be funded by NERC (see: 
http://www.nerc.ac.uk/using/schemes/case.asp). Should the successful applicant 
select this project, then NERC funding will be supplemented by an additional 
annual payment from The National Trust (CASE partner) to the student of £1000.

Funding is generally restricted to UK residents. The FULL eligibility 
requirements are listed in the NERC Studentship Handbook, section B: 

http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/application/studentships/studentbook2006.pdf


APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 
Applications should be made using the Durham on-line application form 
(http://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/), entering the studentship title 
under 'research interests'.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS of the project, including candidate requirements, visit:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/biological.sciences/postgrad/current_phd/ 

and for informal enquiries please contact Dr Sean Twiss 
(s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk).


---------------------------------
 Dr. Sean Twiss,
 Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology,
 Zoology Degree Route Coordinator,
 School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences,
 South Road,
 The University of Durham,
 Durham, DH1 3LE,
 UK.

 E-mail: s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk
 Web-site: http://www.dur.ac.uk/s.d.twiss/

 Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office)
 Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab)
 Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201
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