PhD Studentship: Comparative Fisheries Management in the Arctic and Antarctic in a Changing Climate

Overview

This interdisciplinary PhD studentship investigates how climate change impacts key commercial fish species and fisheries management in both Arctic and Antarctic waters. Climate change is altering polar marine ecosystems rapidly, leading to shifts in fish stock distribution, abundance, and productivity that challenge sustainable management. The researcher will combine ecological modelling, management implications evaluation, and policy analyses to provide insights on how fisheries management can adapt to future changes.

The successful candidate will be based primarily at the British Antarctic Survey, with additional time spent at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and the University of East Anglia. The work involves quantitative analyses of ecological, fisheries, and environmental datasets using ecological modelling, climate projections, and risk assessments. Study species include commercially important ones such as Atlantic mackerel, cod, and toothfish. The project also entails analyzing governance frameworks and policy processes to generate outputs such as species vulnerability assessments and climate risk assessments.

Who can apply

Applicants should have a background in marine science, ecology, fisheries science, environmental science, or a related discipline. Desirable traits include strong numerical, analytical, and communication skills, alongside an interest in marine ecosystems, fisheries, climate change, and policy. Successful candidates meeting UKRI eligibility criteria receive a fully-funded studentship covering fees, a maintenance stipend, and a research training and support grant. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, where the registering university waives the fee difference between home and international rates. ARIES funding does not cover relocation, living costs in the UK, visa costs, or the health surcharge.

What you get

The successful student receives a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27, along with coverage of tuition fees and a research training and support grant. The position provides interdisciplinary training in ecological modelling, fisheries science, risk assessment, and policy analysis. The student will collaborate across multiple institutions, engage with international scientific and policy communities, attend conferences, and develop scientific skills like data analysis and paper writing alongside transferable skills such as stakeholder engagement and media training.

How to apply

Applicants must submit their application for the relevant project and also complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants for 2027 Entry. A separate form is required for each application if applying to more than one project.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-12-16.