Perceiving the unseen: communicating the ecological impacts of non-charismatic invasive species (VC2631)

About the Project

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research.

Global environmental change is accelerating, making clear communication about its causes and effects increasingly important. A critical example of such change is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, such as heatwaves,which often advantage non-native invasive species (NNIS) due to their high adaptability and tolerance of environmental stressors. Environmental change frequently benefits less visible NNIS, such as invertebrates, algae and parasites, yet these groups are often overlooked in public discourse despite their significant ecological effects. Societal perceptions and attitudes towards nature influence environmental policy and management. Thus, improving public awareness of low-profile NNIS is essential for developing a more comprehensive understanding of rapid ecological change and its implications for biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being.

The over-arching aim of this studentship is to investigate and creatively communicate across diverse stakeholder groups the effects of climate change on low-profile NNIS impact. The project will use freshwater gammarid crustaceans as a model, which are widespread low-profile NNIS across the UK. The main objectives are to determine experimentally how extreme climate events influence responses of NNIS before examining public perception of these findings. This information will then be used to develop and evaluate effective communication formats which may use methods drawn from creative media or arts practice to raise awareness, improve public knowledge and change attitudes towards low-profile NNIS.

The candidate/eligibility criteria

The project will involve both fieldwork and laboratory work, and creative stakeholder engagement which will involve communication with the general public.

The successful application will have:

• A first degree in zoology or related and relevant subjects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a particular focus on science communication.
• Experience in fieldwork and laboratory work (experimental biology) related to aquatic ecology.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in experimental animal husbandry related to invertebrates.
• Experience in public outreach and engagement with stakeholder groups.
• Some experience of creative media and/or arts methodologies and how these can be used in science communication

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain

Additional Supervisor: Dr Jennifer Dodd (Edinburgh Napier University)

For more information, or to discuss the project informally, please contact Dr Mhairi Alexander (mhairi.alexander@uws.ac.uk).

Application Deadline: 15/06/2026

Start Date: 01/10/2026

Applications must be made via the UWS Online System.

Funding Notes

This is a fully funded PhD Studentship and includes payment of tuition fees for 36 months at the home/UK rate and an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to UKRI minimum stipend rate (£21,805pa from 01/10/2026).

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain