Find out more about self-funded PhD projects in areas where we already have supervisors active and engaged in the research topic in our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences.
Fixed term contract for 3 years, commencing September 2025.
Bursary of £20,780 per annum and a full fee-waiver for tuition fees - UK students only.
Closing date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Interview date: 12 June 2025
About Anglia Ruskin University:
Anglia Ruskin is a vibrant workplace and our university is recognised both nationally and internationally. We have ambitious plans for the future, and we are determined that our students and staff will realise their full potential. Our main campuses in the cities of Cambridge, Chelmsford, London and Peterborough have been transformed with major capital investment. With an annual turnover of over £200m, we are a major force for higher education and one of the largest universities in the East of England.
About the position:
This PhD project, in collaboration with Jimmy’s Farm and Nature SAFE, aims to develop cryopreservation techniques to support the conservation of the British Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon britannicus), a subspecies confined to the Norfolk Broads and threatened by habitat loss, climate change, hybridization, and genetic erosion. The research integrates fieldwork, laboratory studies, and conservation applications to establish a reliable method for preserving the butterfly's genetic material.
The key objectives include conducting a comprehensive literature review on cryopreservation in insects, assessing the current population and genetic diversity of P. m. britannicus, and developing cryopreservation protocols using the closely related European subspecies (P. m. gorganus) as a model. The study will evaluate different cryopreservation techniques—such as dehydration, vitrification, and slow-freezing—focusing on eggs and potentially pupae. The viability of cryopreserved specimens will be assessed by rearing butterflies and comparing their survival, development, and reproductive success to non-cryopreserved controls.
Findings from this research will inform conservation strategies, offering a novel approach to species preservation by integrating cryopreservation into existing management plans. The project is also relevant to potential commercial applications, such as using cryopreserved insect eggs for natural pest control. Expected outcomes include validated cryopreservation protocols, enhanced conservation strategies, and dissemination of findings through publications and collaborations with conservation organizations.
This research has the potential to significantly advance butterfly conservation and contribute to broader efforts in insect genetic preservation.
About the Studentship:
A 3-year studentship is offered, intended to start in September 2025, providing a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available as a full-time position and to UK candidates.
Project location: ARU Writtle Campus.
Candidates for this PhD Studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD within 3 years.
Qualifications:
Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills, and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.
How to apply:
To apply, please visit Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences PhD, click 'Apply online' and complete the application form for full-time study with a start date of September 2025. Please ensure the reference 'PhD Studentship: Conservation and Cryopreservation of the British Swallowtail Butterfly (papilio machaon britannicus)' is clearly stated on the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’.
Within this section of the application form, applicants should include a 500-word outline of the skills that they would bring to this research project and detail any previous relevant experience.
Interested applicants should direct initial queries about the project to Dr Alvin Helden via email: [email protected]. For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact [email protected].
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 12 June 2025.
We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Closing Date: 15 May 2025.
Dr Roberta Blake
Biomechanics, Working Trials dogs
Working Trials are a dog competitive activity based on the civilian equivalent of police dog work. They are physically demanding, and both dog and owner need to be fit to compete. Feedback from the Working Trials (WT) community and others raise concerns regarding the level of risk of the obstacles negotiated by dogs on this sport: the 8ft long jump and the 5ft 6" scale.
These concerns are:
In both instances, there is potentially an increase in the risk of repetitive strain injury to the soft tissues that support these joints.
This study is proposed to understand both the impact forces and joint stresses present whilst negotiating obstacles, specifically on grass. A sample of Working Trials dogs will be asked to complete a 3ft clear jump (hurdle), 7ft and 8ft long jump as well as a 5ft 6" scale. During landing vertical ground reaction forces and peak impact forces will be captured. At the same time, movement will be captured using 2d videos to analyse joint flexion, extension and range of motion. Analysis of this data will allow us to quantify the demands placed on Working Trials dogs.
This project is self-funded.
Details of studentships for which funding is available are selected by a competitive process and are advertised on our jobs website as they become available.
If you wish to be considered for this project, you will need to apply for our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences PhD. In the section of the application form entitled 'Outline research proposal', please quote the above title and include a research proposal.