EASTBIO PhD: Mercury, Selenium and Marine-Mammal Resilience

Laplace Apply; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship

Job summary

University of Aberdeen offers EASTBIO PhD: mercury, selenium and marine-mammal resilience in Aberdeen. The project investigates why marine mammals differ in resilience under mercury exposure and whether selenium metabolism mediates this variation.

Project activities include comparative genomics, bioinformatics, ecotoxicology, pathway analysis, systematic review and meta-analysis, with metallomics where appropriate. UK-only eligibility for some options may apply.

Qualifications

• At least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject; 2:2 may be considered with distinction/commendation at master’s level.
• Technical Skills include comparative genomics, bioinformatics, ecotoxicology, pathway analysis, systematic review and meta-analysis, metallomics where appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comparative genomics analyses to test hypotheses on marine-mammal resilience.
• Carry out bioinformatics analyses and data integration across datasets.
• Perform ecotoxicology assessments and pathway analysis relevant to mercury and selenium.
• Undertake systematic reviews and meta-analyses as part of evidence synthesis.
• Explore metallomics approaches where appropriate to support resilience studies.

Skills

comparative genomics

bioinformatics

ecotoxicology

pathway analysis

systematic review

meta-analysis

metallomics

Education

UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent

Job description

EASTBIO PhD: Mercury, Selenium and Marine-Mammal Resilience

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom

Apply by 16 Nov 2026

About This Opportunity

University of Aberdeen offers eastbio phd: mercury, selenium and marine-mammal resilience in Aberdeen. The specific focus is this project investigates why marine mammals can differ in resilience despite prolonged mercury exposure and whether selenium metabolism mediates this variation.

This project investigates why marine mammals can differ in resilience despite prolonged mercury exposure and whether selenium metabolism mediates this variation. Species comparisons, longitudinal contaminant burdens, comparative genomes and biological pathway networks will test how molecular responses relate to physiology. The advertised activities and techniques include comparative genomics, bioinformatics, ecotoxicology, pathway analysis, systematic review, meta-analysis, metallomics where appropriate.Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For: Based on the documented research scope, this may particularly suit environmental biologists or computational scientists interested in marine mammals, contaminants and comparative physiology.Potential Challenges / Who May Find It Less Suitable: EASTBIO competition, one-project rule, and international visa/health-charge funding exclusions; UK-only eligibility for part-time option.Overall Opportunity Assessment: The advertised work connects comparative genomics, bioinformatics, ecotoxicology, pathway analysis, systematic review, meta-analysis, metallomics where appropriate. Its distinguishing purpose is this project investigates why marine mammals can differ in resilience despite prolonged mercury exposure and whether selenium metabolism mediates this variation. Applicants should assess the documented academic and practical constraints before proceeding.

comparative genomics bioinformatics ecotoxicology pathway analysis systematic review meta-analysis

Level PhD

Duration 4 years

Programme EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount Scholarship

Funding Type Scholarship

Requirements

Education

At least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject; 2:2 may be considered with distinction/commendation at master’s level.

Experience

Technical Skills comparative genomics bioinformatics ecotoxicology pathway analysis systematic review meta-analysis metallomics where appropriate

General Skills

Languages

UKRI/EASTBIO funding requirements apply; international entrants are subject to a 30% cap and must fund visa and health surcharge costs.