Project Description
Supervisors
Dr Mick Hanley, Plymouth Marine Laboratory – contact me
Dr George Littlejohn, SoBMS, UoP
Dr Mahasweta Saha, SoBMS, UoP
Dr Rob Puschendorf, SoBMS, UoP
Scientific Background
We know climate change threatens biodiversity, but many of the ways in which it affects individual species are shrouded in the complexity of the interactions between them(1). Indeed, without understanding how consumers and pathogens moderate or amplify environmental stresses like increased temperature, we cannot hope to predict species vulnerability. The response of pathogens to climate change is well established on land(2), but their reaction to a rapidly changing marine environment is less clear. Seaweeds are critical to marine systems through the provision of ecosystem services like Carbon sequestration(3) but they too are subject to pathogens. Beyond a focus on colonisation of seaweed fronds by human pathogens(4), there has been limited study of seaweed-pathogen interactions in wild populations. At a time of profound environmental change to inter-tidal habitats, our aim is to use natural geographical gradients to determine how patterns of pathogen infection vary with climate, and laboratory experiments to explore more precisely the factors that influence the risk and virulence of pathogen attack on seaweed.
Research Methodology
The studentship involves an exciting combination of field and laboratory work using ecologically important intertidal seaweeds to address three main objectives:
1 – Field survey the frequency and virulence of pathogen infection of seaweed using surface aspect (Equator- vs. Pole-facing) as a proxy for temperature variation.
2 – Assess pathogen infection over a latitudinal gradient to explore and model climate-driven range shifts in the pathogen-host interaction.
3 – Culture field-collected seaweed samples to examine pathogen virulence response to applied environmental stressors (extreme heat, salinity).
Training
As part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team you will develop expertise in contemporary imaging techniques, deployment of autonomous data loggers, seaweed culture, experimental design, data analysis, critical thinking. Specific training and development needs will be guided by supervisors, and you will be supported to lead manuscripts, present at international conferences, and engage with relevant end-user groups.
Person Specification
We seek a passionate individual with a background in marine biology or related field. Experience with laboratory and field experiments and/or imaging techniques is advantageous but not essential. A keen interest in climate change biology and strong quantitative analysis skills are essential.
Acceptable first degree subject(s): Degree in Biological Sciences, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences or related field.