PhD Studentship: Developing behavioural health indicators to inform killer whale conservation - MSc by Research (Funded)

University of Exeter - Department of Psychology

We are offering a unique, fully funded MSc by Research project focused on the conservation and management of one of the world’s most iconic and endangered marine mammals: the Southern Resident killer whales.

As top predators, killer whales serve as a sentinel species for ecosystem health, meaning that the status of the Southern Resident population reflects the overall condition of the ecosystem. However, because this population is small and slow-reproducing, changes in abundance or vital rates are difficult to detect statistically, and typically lag behind underlying shifts in health or environmental conditions. Monitoring population health through non-demographic indicators is therefore a crucial complement to traditional population assessments.

In this project, the student will work as part of an international team of scientists developing early-warning indicators of killer whale health. The focus will be on behavioural indicators, but the work forms part of a larger collaborative effort to create an integrated, web-accessible health database for the population. The student will draw on a wide range of health-relevant data – including body condition, fecal hormone concentrations, and detailed behavioural observations – to develop statistical tools that integrate multiple data streams into indicators of individual health. The project will interface directly with management agencies (NOAA, WDFW, DFO), and the student will contribute to reports aimed at improving the management and conservation of this endangered population.

The work will involve significant time at the Center for Whale Research in Washington State, USA and funding is provided to cover travel and fieldwork costs.

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.