Ph.D. Studentship: The role of diet for the health and welfare of fish in the ornamental trade (closing date Friday 8th August)
The University of the West of Scotland is currently advertising a Ph.D. position based at its UWS Lanarkshire campus, working in the aquatic research group. The deadline for is Friday 8th August 2025, with interviews likely to be held on Thursday 28th August. The starting date is 1st October 2025. Applications can only be received through the UWS online system which can be accessed through this link.
The popularity of fish as companion animals increased by 60% in 2022 with 17% of UK households keeping fish. They are the most numerous companion animals kept in the UK, as one home aquarium may contain many fish. Fish welfare continues to gain importance in the UK, with implications for both traded fish and their source environment. This project builds on our previous research which provided knowledge exchange with industry by documenting current transport practices, modifying existing practices, and developing ways of monitoring fish welfare. The over-arching aim will be to explore the use of novel additives to improve fish welfare, and investigate diet as a form of environmental enrichment, in collaboration with the Waltham Science Petcare Institute.
Informal enquiries can be made by email to Professor Kath Sloman (katherine.sloman@uws.ac.uk). Any problems with the online application process can also be directed to this email address.
The studentship is fully funded and includes payment of tuition fees for 36 months at the home/UK rate and an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to UKRI minimum stipend rate (currently £20,780 from 01/10/2025). The successful candidates must meet the following criteria: be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or have settled status, or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or have indefinite leave to remain.
