PhD Studentship: Evaluating the Microbiome Homeostasis in Gut Health and Immunity for Thriving Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) – MIGHT "Y" Shrimp

Evaluating the Microbiome Homeostasis in Gut Health and Immunity for Thriving Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) – MIGHT “Y” Shrimp

DoS: Dr Mark Rawling (mark.rawling@plymouth.ac.uk)

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Daniel Merrifield (daniel.merrfield@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor: Dr Andrew Foey (andrew.foey@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st October 2025. This work was supported by the Research England E3 funded Centre of Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS) at the University of Plymouth.

Project Description

Shrimp farming faces challenges including disease outbreaks and environmental stressors which disrupt microbial balance. The microbiome, a critical component of shrimp health, influences digestion, immunity, and resilience to pathogens; animal welfare and productivity. We are seeking a motivated and innovative PhD candidate to join a cutting-edge research group focused on developing a mechanistic and evidence-based understanding of how novel microbial solutions can prevent dysbiosis in shrimp caused by abiotic factors.

This PhD project offers a unique collaboration with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, a global leader in microbial solutions for a changing world. Their existing portfolio of aquaculture microbial technologies allows us to access well characterised strains for novel applications to counteract abiotic stressors associated with necessary management practices; seasonal fluctuations and climate change such as temperature and salinity shifts. The candidate will gain access to state of the art research facilities and benefit from a dynamic research environment at the interface of academia and industry. 

This research will investigate how microbial solutions can modulate immune and metabolic pathways, contributing to improved shrimp health and resilience. The PhD candidate will be expected to plan and execute full scale nutritional trials with shrimp under various temperature and salinity conditions. Mechanistic analysis of important mucosal tissues and organs of shrimp will be expected with a specific focus on shrimp immunity.

If you're passionate about making a positive impact on food security, we invite you to join this innovative research project.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification.   

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 4 years and includes Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum 2025/26 rate (UKRI).

NB: The studentship is supported for four years including a 6 month ‘writing-up period. There is no further funding beyond the four-year period.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Mark Rawling (mark.rawling@plymouth.ac.uk)

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College. 

The closing date for applications on 28th March 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal interview in the week commencing on 21^st April 2025 followed by a formal interview on a date to be confirmed.

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