The impacts of urbanisation on small mammal occurrence, behaviour and health (VC2609)

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.

Globally, rapid urban expansion is resulting in the fragmentation and destruction of natural areas. Urbanisation presents wildlife with novel and challenging conditions including increased disturbance from human encroachment and altered resource availability. In general, mammalian diversity decreases with increasing urbanisation, although some species may fare better in urban environments.

Parasites can play significant roles in the ecological balance and health of wildlife, with parasite load likely affected by urbanisation. Investigating the prevalence and diversity of parasites in small mammal populations across urban and rural landscapes provides a unique means of examining the impacts of urbanisation on wildlife health. Additionally, conducting such ecological research within a OneHealth framework can contribute valuable insights into the potential spillover of parasites from wild mammals to domestic animals or even humans.

This PhD project aims to improve understanding of how human alteration of the environment impacts wildlife. The project will examine seasonal population dynamics, behaviour and health of small mammal communities inhabiting areas of variable human influence. Using a combination of field and laboratory work, the main objectives of the study are to 1) Determine small mammal community composition across seasons at sites along an rural-urban gradient of varying human influence; 2) Determine the impact of urbanisation on small mammal morphology and the consequences for energy balance; 3) Examine how the behavioural traits of small mammals correlate with level of urbanisation and impact success; and 4) Evaluate the effect of urban environments on parasite prevalence, intensity and abundance of small mammals.

The candidate/eligibility criteria

The successful application will have:

• A first degree in zoology or a related field and relevant subjects
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience in fieldwork and/or laboratory work (experimental biology) related to terrestrial animal ecology or behaviour

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in experimental animal husbandry and fieldwork related to small mammals and/or urban ecology
• Experience in parasitology, molecular and genetic biology and basic analytical chemistry
• UK driving licence

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 Claire Branston (University of Glasgow and Edinburgh Napier University).

For more information, or to discuss the project informally, please contact Dr James Turner, james.turner@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