PhD Studentship - The Impacts of Introduced Large Woody Structures on Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Diversity and Sediment Dynamics in UK River Systems

Project advert

This research will investigate how aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages and sediment regimes change following the introduction of Large Woody Structures (LWS) into river systems. This understanding will contribute to river restoration and flood alleviation practice by quantifying the ‘public good’ that LWS can offer when designed strategically to maximise biodiversity and habitat gains. This research will use distributed field data collection (macroinvertebrates, sediment character and dynamics) and a complementary set of flume experiments to quantify these impacts and to systematically investigate which local biotic and abiotic factors control the extent of LWS-related biodiversity and habitat improvements across a range of different UK river systems.

Project aims and objectives

• Carry out a desk review of, and collate, instances of LWD interventions across the UK and categorise and classify sites into intervention type, intervention age, catchment and river system type.
• Identify a selection of LWS sites (20<n<40) that together cover a broad range of river systems and intervention types, across gradients of those local biotic and abiotic environmental factors that are, a priori, hypothesised to drive positive impacts on macroinvertebrate diversity and sediment dynamics.
• Collect field data from LWS and paired control sites.
• Analyse through statistical analysis significant causal effects on the ecological and geomorphological outcomes of LWS introduction at these field sites.
• Test and extend outcomes of the field data analysis for geomorphological impacts using flume experiments that assess how key control variables affect sedimentation patterns and habitat generation.

Funding

The student will be in receipt of a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) is £20,780 per annum for 2025/26.

This opportunity is only available to Home students. Home fees are covered.

Please note that the length of this opportunity is five years part-time at 60% FTE.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential

• Academic background in biology, geography, or environmental science.
• Ability to carry out field work in river systems, including sampling for macroinvertebrates, water quality, river sediment characteristics and channel geomorphology.
• Previous experience of the laboratory analysis of water quality and river sediments.
• Ability, and the connections, to liaise with landowners conservation bodies and others to gather information about existing LWS schemes and to facilitate site access for sampling and data collection.
• Experience of professional practice in freshwater conservation and river management.
• Candidate will be required to undertake fieldwork across the UK at a range of remote sites, with overnight stays. 

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Andrew Dean (andrew.dean@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a Part-Time PhD in Biological Sciences (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the Narrative CV addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. 

Expected start date: October 2025.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-AD-2025-River Woody Debris

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