PhD Studentship - Molecular Applications for Malagasy Fish (MAppFish): Developing a Rapid, Cost-effective Method for Mapping Distributions of Freshwater Fish in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Project advert

Madagascar is a globally important biodiversity hotspot, home to hundreds of endemic species.  At juxtaposition with this rich natural heritage is a growing human population and a poverty rate that is amongst the highest in the world, putting immense pressure on Madagascar’s natural resources. All but one freshwater Malagasy fishes are endemic to the island. Consequently, Malagasy freshwater fish face many threats from habitat degradation and loss, to overexploitation and competition from invasive species. 

The absence of routine/standardised monitoring in Madagascar’s freshwaters makes identifying and prioritising conservation action especially challenging. This project aims to develop a low-cost, field-based, portable and easy-to-use Lab-on-a-Chip device for environmental DNA monitoring of freshwater species which would facilitate greater spatial and temporal sampling of freshwater fishes in Madagascar. This project has a direct conservation impact providing data to support the sustainable management of fisheries for biodiversity and human communities. 

Project aims and objectives

The project will develop biotechnological tools to facilitate the conservation and sustainable management of Malagasy freshwater fishes, structured around the following objectives:

• Use the LOC to map the freshwater fish distributions in Madagascar, including threatened, invasive and human food species  
• Create predictive models of target species distributions by combining species presence/absence with environmental data to predict wider-scale fish distribution and identify niches 
• Use data and models to identify: i) additional species for Red Lists, ii) new protected sites, iii) sites for reintroductions or other conservation action 

Funding

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

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

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential:

• BSc/MSc/MRes in a scientific discipline related to the Natural Sciences such as Biology, Conservation, Ecology, Genetics or Environmental Sciences
• BSc applicants need to demonstrate proof of a level of scientific independence, e.g. having completed a scientific project outside of their UG course, submitted a scientific publication, or presented at a conference external to their university
• The project will provide the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in Madagascar, experience and/or willingness to work for periods in remote and challenging conditions is required
• Practical experience in at least one of the following: design, manufacture and operation of Lab-on-a-Chip devices, DNA analysis, work with aquatic vertebrates, or field campaigns 

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Kirsty Shaw (k.shaw@mmu.ac.uk) or Dr Hannah Robson (hannah.robson@wwt.org.uk) for an informal discussion. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Natural Sciences (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the Narrative CV form 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-2025-KS-Malagasy Fish Biodiversity

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