Developing behavioural health indicators to inform killer whale conservation - MSc by Research (Funded) Ref: 5721

Supervisors

Professor Darren Croft,  Professor of Animal Behaviour and Co-Deputy Head of Psychology Department

Dr Michael Weiss, Center for Whale Research, USA 

Dr Joe Gaydos , SeaDoc Society, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Project Description 

The University of Exeter, in collaboration with the Center for Whale Research, USA and SeaDoc Society, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, invites applications for a funded MSc by Research starting Sept 2026 (with the possible option of an earlier start). The studentship covers Home or International fees and a tax-free stipend (at least £20,780 per year – this is the rate for 25/26 entry) for 17 months (pro rata for part-time). The student will be based in the Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour at Exeter’s Streatham Campus.  We particularly welcome applications from people from under-represented groups in marine science, and especially from individuals indigenous to North America.

We are offering a unique, fully funded MSc by Research project focused on the conservation and management of one of the world’s most iconic and endangered marine mammals: the Southern Resident killer whales.

As top predators, killer whales serve as a sentinel species for ecosystem health, meaning that the status of the Southern Resident population reflects the overall condition of the ecosystem. However, because this population is small and slow-reproducing, changes in abundance or vital rates are difficult to detect statistically, and typically lag behind underlying shifts in health or environmental conditions. Monitoring population health through non-demographic indicators is therefore a crucial complement to traditional population assessments.

In this project, the student will work as part of an international team of scientists developing early-warning indicators of killer whale health. The focus will be on behavioural indicators, but the work forms part of a larger collaborative effort to create an integrated, web-accessible health database for the population. The student will draw on a wide range of health-relevant data – including body condition, fecal hormone concentrations, and detailed behavioural observations – to develop statistical tools that integrate multiple data streams into indicators of individual health. The project will interface directly with management agencies (NOAA, WDFW, DFO), and the student will contribute to reports aimed at improving the management and conservation of this endangered population.

The work will involve time at the Center for Whale Research in Washington State, USA and funding is provided to cover travel and fieldwork costs.

Funding and eligibility
The studentship is fully funded for 17 months, covering national/international tuition fees (25/26 Home fees are £5,006 26/27 fee rate tbc and 25/26 International fees are £28,600 increasing to £28,900 in 26/27) and a full stipend (£20,780 in 25/26). Candidates should hold a first degree in a relevant subject area. We particularly welcome applications from people from under-represented groups in marine science, and especially from individuals indigenous to North America.

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of study.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.

•           CV

•           Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•           Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•           Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•           If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 19^st Dec 2025.  

Interviews will be held virtually week commencing Jan 12^th.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5721 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary