Announcing a PhD Studentship Opportunity in Grey Seal Behaviour at Durham University, UK: The Institute of Ecosystem Science at the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, is seeking candidates for a PhD studentship. One potential project is described below: STUDENTSHIP TITLE: Interactions between fine scale habitat, reproductive success and social behaviour in breeding grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). SUPERVISORS: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham University), Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, University of St. Andrews), Professor A. R. Hoelzel (Durham University). CASE PARTNERS: The National Trust. STUDENTSHIP SUMMARY: Fine scale habitat features are important determinants of individual behaviour and reproductive success in breeding grey seals. This project will examine in detail the relative importance of habitat structure and female social status for the behaviour and success of individually identified female grey seals at the Farne islands (UK). The work will require; detailed and prolonged field based behavioural observations, compilation and maintenance of a photo-ID database, habitat mapping, spatial data manipulation and analyses within a GIS, statistical analyses (including quantifying social associations and habitat preferences), and the ability to organise and conduct fieldwork in remote, isolated locations. STUDENTSHIP LOCATION: The student will be based at Durham University (see www.durham.ac.uk), but will spend three field-seasons (approximately 4-6weeks each) on the Farne islands off the Northumberland coast. ALLOCATION OF STUDENTSHIP AND FUNDING: Only one applicant will be appointed. The successful applicant will choose from one of 5 potential studentship titles on offer within the ‘Institute of Ecosystem Science’. Whichever project is selected will be funded by NERC (see: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/using/schemes/case.asp). Should the successful applicant select this project, then NERC funding will be supplemented by an additional annual payment from The National Trust (CASE partner) to the student of £1000. Funding is generally restricted to UK residents. The FULL eligibility requirements are listed in the NERC Studentship Handbook, section B: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/application/studentships/studentbook2006.pdf APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applications should be made using the Durham on-line application form (http://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/), entering the studentship title under 'research interests'. FOR FURTHER DETAILS of the project, including candidate requirements, visit: http://www.dur.ac.uk/biological.sciences/postgrad/current_phd/ and for informal enquiries please contact Dr Sean Twiss (s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk). --------------------------------- Dr. Sean Twiss, Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology, Zoology Degree Route Coordinator, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, The University of Durham, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. E-mail: s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk Web-site: http://www.dur.ac.uk/s.d.twiss/ Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office) Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab) Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201 _________________________________