Research

Current studentships

J Denis Summers-Smith Research Studentship: How to promote abundant and diverse bird resources during transition to rewilding

Deadline: 13/03/2026 5:00PM
Studentship code:
Staff name: Dr Ambroise Baker
Research centre: National Horizons Centre (Biosciences)
Start date: Successful applicants will be expected to start in May or October 2026.

This PhD project aims to study early management interventions during the transition from agriculture to rewilding, with a special focus on the provision of bird habitat and resources, such as seeds and invertebrate abundance. The project takes advantage of the existing long-term ecological monitoring undertaken in 2022 at RSPB’s Wild Saltholme, a 100-ha rewilding project in the Tees Valley. While there are a number of practical ways to promote nature recovery and biodiversity following ecological degradation, one of them, rewilding, is believed to ally high restoration potential and low costs. However, rewilding has only been proposed in the last two decades and we often lack empirical evidence about the best locations for it to be implemented or about the pace and nature of change to expect. Monitoring research at Wild Saltholme is designed to inform adaptive management at the site and to guide rewilding initiatives at other sites to ensure well-managed transition from intensive agriculture to nature, where desirable.

We are looking for someone with a passion for the natural environment and an interest in developing applied research collaboratively with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). During the studentship, you will have an opportunity to spend an internship working directly with a variety of RSPB teams. In addition to research skills, existing practical skills in botany and/or entomology are highly desirable, as is a driving licence.

Funding eligibility

This fully funded PhD Studentship covers tuition fees for the period of a full-time PhD Registration of up to four years and provide an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress.

Applications are welcome from UK and international students.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline.

A master's level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details.

International students will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to apply

Applicants should apply online for this opportunity using the Online Application (Funded PHD) application form. When asked to specify funding select "other" and enter 'RDS' and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for.

You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying.

To apply for more than one project, you need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.

Applications for studentships that do not clearly indicate that the application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal may mean that your application may not be considered for the appropriate funding.

Apply now

Selection process

All applications received by the closing date will be considered. Successful applicants at the application stage will be shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews will be held online. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome. Successful applicants progressing to an offer of a place, to commence in May or October 2026.

About Teesside

We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus and to supporting all members of our University community to thrive whatever their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, marital status, nationality or any other characteristic.
More about our Inclusive campus

As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing.

PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University's wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.

Key dates

Deadline: 13/03/2026 5:00PM
Interview date: We envisage that interviews will take place on Tuesday 17 March, 2026.
Start date: Successful applicants will be expected to start in May or October 2026.