Evaluating the Microbiome Homeostasis in Gut Health and Immunity for Thriving Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) – MIGHT "Y" Shrimp

Shrimp farming faces challenges including disease outbreaks and environmental stressors which disrupt microbial balance. The microbiome, a critical component of shrimp health, influences digestion, immunity, and resilience to pathogens; animal welfare and productivity. We are seeking a motivated and innovative PhD candidate to join a cutting-edge research group focused on developing a mechanistic and evidence-based understanding of how novel microbial solutions can prevent dysbiosis in shrimp caused by abiotic factors.

This PhD project offers a unique collaboration with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, a global leader in microbial solutions for a changing world. Their existing portfolio of aquaculture microbial technologies allows us to access well characterised strains for novel applications to counteract abiotic stressors associated with necessary management practices; seasonal fluctuations and climate change such as temperature and salinity shifts. The candidate will gain access to state of the art research facilities and benefit from a dynamic research environment at the interface of academia and industry.

This research will investigate how microbial solutions can modulate immune and metabolic pathways, contributing to improved shrimp health and resilience. The PhD candidate will be expected to plan and execute full scale nutritional trials with shrimp under various temperature and salinity conditions. Mechanistic analysis of important mucosal tissues and organs of shrimp will be expected with a specific focus on shrimp immunity.

If you're passionate about making a positive impact on food security, we invite you to join this innovative research project.

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for four years and includes Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum 2025/26 rate (UKRI).

NB: The studentship is supported for four years including a six-month writing-up period. There is no further funding beyond the four-year period.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Mark Rawling at mark.rawling@plymouth.ac.uk.

Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College . Applications will not be considered if information is missing.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on 21 April 2025 followed by a formal interview on a date to be confirmed. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful on this occasion.