PhD Studentship: Recovery of the Northern Pool Frog (Pelophylax lessonae): Habitat use and Population Ecology

The studentship is with the University of Salford and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) Trust 

Academic Supervisor: Dr. Robert Jehle

Academic Co-Supervisor: Dr. Victoria Franks

Industrial Supervisors: Dr. John Baker, Jim Foster

The studentship is fully funded and includes: 

• A fee waiver
• A stipend of £22,852 pa for three years

Final date for applications: 4th October 2026

Interviews will be held October 2026

The candidate must be in a position to register by January 2027

Description:

The northern pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) is one of only four frog and toad species native to the UK and was presumed extinct here by the mid-1990s. It was reintroduced between 2005 and 2008 using Swedish pool frogs released close to the area of the last known native populations. Although two populations have since become established, they remain small despite active conservation measures, including head-starting of offspring. The species is still one of the rarest British vertebrates and is classified as Critically Endangered in England under IUCN Red List criteria.

This PhD will address key knowledge gaps in pool frog aquatic and terrestrial habitat use and population ecology, supporting current and future recovery work by the ARC Trust and partners. The project will combine detailed three-dimensional habitat classification using cutting-edge technology with field-based tracking and tagging of individual frogs and desk-based population viability analysis. Improved understanding of habitat preferences will help identify, prepare and manage future translocation sites, support existing sites, and provide insight into why the two reintroduced populations have differed in success.

The project will be jointly supervised by the University of Salford and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, with additional input from academics, practitioners and collaborators.

Candidates: Applicants should have a 1st or 2:1 BSc degree in a relevant field. An MSc is advantageous but not essential. Previous fieldwork experience with native amphibians is expected. The study will require relocation to Norfolk for parts of spring and summer in years 1 and 2. Applicants who keep captive amphibians or reptiles during the PhD period are not eligible, as wild pool frogs are vulnerable to disease and captive animals increase the risk of pathogen transfer.

Funding Eligibility: This studentship is only available to students with settled status in the UK, as classified by EPSRC eligibility. 

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Robert Jehle by email: r.jehle@salford.ac.uk

A curriculum vitae and supporting statement explaining their interest (one page maximally) should be sent to:  m.watts@salford.ac.uk

Note to applicant: In addition to applying for this role the successful candidate will also be required to complete the University application process which applies to all students wishing to study at The University of Salford. How to apply for research studies can be found here:    https://www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/applying-for-research