MPhil Studenship - investigating the ecology and fine-scale habitat preferences of the Chequered skipper butterfly at Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire

Applications are invited for this exciting MPhil project investigating the ecology and fine-scale habitat preferences of the Chequered skipper butterfly at Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire. This charismatic woodland butterfly was lost from England in 1976, but reintroduced from Belgium stock in 2018, as a result of pioneering work by the conservation charity Butterfly Conservation and partner organisations. Subject to confirmation of funding, this one-year MPhil studentship is available from 5 January 2027 and includes: • a maintenance stipend of £21,805; • payment of UK Home tuition fees; and • £12,052 to support research-related equipment costs. This MPhil project will carry out bespoke field research at reintroduction sites in Rockingham Forest, Northamptonshire, to assess the fine-scale habitat and associated microclimatic preferences of both larvae and adult butterflies, as well as the effectiveness of trialled management techniques in creating suitable habitats. Research will include detailed surveys of habitat structure, quality, and microclimate, allowing assessment of species' habitat preferences, and tests of the efficacy of habitat management options in generating these conditions. The project will enable the student to support a ground-breaking and innovative conservation project, and to work closely with professional conservationists at Butterfly Conservation. The project will involve extended fieldwork in Rockingham Forest, use of microhabitat and microclimate monitoring equipment, and analysis of ecological data. The project will be co-supervised by Professor Edgar Turner (Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge) and Dr Jamie Wildman (Conservation Manager, Butterfly Conservation). Candidates must hold a good II.i Honours degree in an appropriate subject (such as Biology, Evolution, Ecology, or Environmental studies), and have practical experience of carrying out ecological research in the field and analysing and writing up ecological data. It would be an advantage to have experience of working with butterflies or other insects, and of working with conservation organisations. It is also desirable to have experience with spatial analysis in GIS, and statistical analyses using R or equivalent. As some project sites are located remotely and the project may involve travel to sites in Belgium, applicants must hold a full driving licence valid for use in the UK and Belgium, and a passport valid through 2027. For applicants for whom English is not their first language, please see the requirements https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/english-language-requirements. Application details Applications should be submitted through https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blzompbsc You will be asked to give the details of two academic referees, and submit a CV, and a short 2-page research proposal. Applicants are encouraged to contact Edgar Turner (ect23@cam.ac.uk) before submitting this. Short-listed candidates will be called for a short online interview on the 7th or 8th of September. Fixed-term: The funds for this studentship are available for 1 year. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Prof Edgar Turner [email: ect23@cam.ac.uk] If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Zoology HR Office [email: hr@zoo.cam.ac.uk] Please quote reference PF50686 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.