PEARL-OMICS - Integrating environmental multi-omics, eDNA and catchment data to predict freshwater pearl mussel stress and restoration response in Ireland.

Summary

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is one of Europe’s most threatened freshwater species and an important indicator of clean, healthy river ecosystems. Because adult mussels can survive for decades after successful reproduction has ceased, conventional surveys may detect population decline too late for effective intervention.

This PhD will be embedded within PEARL-MAP, a DAFM/DAERA-funded research and innovation partnership involving Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University, Patchview DC and the Ballinderry Rivers Trust, spanning Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The student will contribute across the wider project while taking a leading role in its multi-omics research.

The project will integrate genomic, DNA-methylation, RNA-expression and protein-abundance data from freshwater pearl mussels with eDNA surveillance, water-quality, sediment, land-use and ecological information.

The student will develop an epigenetic model of mussel age, distinguish normal ageing from environmentally induced stress, identify molecular pathways associated with nutrient and sediment pressures, and develop a reduced panel of candidate biomarkers.

These markers will be validated using appropriate targeted assays and evaluated alongside restoration activities in PEARL-MAP living-laboratory river reaches.

The studentship offers interdisciplinary training in conservation genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, eDNA, bioinformatics, R/Python, advanced statistics, machine learning and reproducible research.

The student will also gain experience in cross-border collaboration, stakeholder engagement and translating scientific findings for environmental management and policy.

The project would suit a motivated graduate in biomedical science, bioinformatics, biological or environmental science, or a related discipline. Previous coding or high-throughput sequencing experience is desirable but not essential.

The supervisory team comprises Dr Rachelle Irwin and Professor Diane Lees-Murdock (School of Biomedical Sciences), and Dr Joerg Arnscheidt (School of Geography and Environmental Sciences).

Please note:  Research Proposal - 5 pages in total

The proposal must include:

• Background to the project - 2 pages
• Problem to be addressed/Aim and Objectives - 1 page
• Methods to be used -1 page
• Anticipated outcomes -1 page
• List of references

Please also note that the use of AI in generating the research proposal is prohibited.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences/Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.