PhD Studentship: Wildlife Connectivity in Tree-Based Agricultural Systems
Explore how trees within farms enhance wildlife movement and landscape connectivity through fieldwork and advanced ecological modelling.
Best for:Best for biology graduates or ecologists with fieldwork experience and an interest in landscape ecology, biodiversity conservation, and quantitative research methods.
Overview
This PhD studentship at Newcastle University investigates the role of tree-based agricultural systems (TIFs) in supporting wildlife connectivity. The project combines biodiversity surveys, animal movement tracking, landscape modelling, and remote sensing to determine which tree characteristics and spatial configurations best facilitate wildlife movement. Fieldwork will involve intensive data collection across selected sites in the TIF-CER network, employing methods like camera trapping, bird counts, acoustic monitoring, and environmental DNA analysis. The research aims to bridge gaps in understanding how agricultural landscapes can be designed to benefit biodiversity while addressing habitat fragmentation. Applicants should be passionate about ecological research and fieldwork, with a background in biology or related disciplines.
What you'll do
- Conduct fieldwork involving biodiversity surveys, including camera trapping, bird counts, acoustic monitoring, and environmental DNA sampling across selected agricultural sites.
- Analyze wildlife movement data and integrate it with landscape modelling to assess connectivity potential of tree-based systems.
- Characterize species based on ecological traits, habitat requirements, and functional roles within agricultural landscapes.
- Develop and apply remote sensing techniques to study tree cover and spatial configurations in agricultural fields.
- Collaborate with the TIF-CER field network to synthesize data across multiple sites for comprehensive analysis.
- Present findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the broader goal of designing sustainable agricultural practices that support wildlife.
Requirements
Degree required: Minimum 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a subject relevant to ecology, biology, environmental science, or related disciplines.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 (including all sub-skills) or equivalent if English is not your first language.
Instruction: English
- Experience or willingness to conduct fieldwork in ecological surveys.
- Familiarity with biodiversity monitoring techniques (e.g., camera trapping, acoustic monitoring).
- Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and data management tools (e.g., R, Python).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for academic reporting.
- Applicants must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.
- UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status are eligible for Home fee coverage.
- International applicants are welcome but must cover the difference between Home and International fees.
- International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate for visa purposes.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must apply through Newcastle University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. Select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’ and identify the programme using code 8020F under Biology. In the ‘Further Details’ section, provide a personal statement, include the studentship code SNES315, and write the project title in the research proposal field. Only one application per studentship is allowed.
- Personal Statement
- Studentship code SNES315
- Research project title (no formal proposal required)
Contact
Marion Pfeifer· Supervisor
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