Deadline: March 10, 2026
Applications are now open for the MESCAL Project PhD in Marine Science 2026, a fully funded three-year doctoral research opportunity for outstanding candidates passionate about marine ecosystems and climate change resilience. This prestigious programme offers early-career researchers a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking studies in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the East African coast, focusing on how these ecosystems can adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.
About the MESCAL Project PhD in Marine Science 2026
The MESCAL Project PhD in Marine Science 2026 is designed to advance understanding of how marine biodiversity can be protected and sustained amid global environmental shifts. Starting on 1 September 2026, this programme provides a platform for innovative research into the ecological and genetic mechanisms that enhance the resilience of fish populations in Marine Protected Areas.
The project is supported under the IRD ARTS programme, which provides full funding for doctoral studies in partnership with top international research institutions. Successful candidates will have access to world-class training, cross-disciplinary supervision, and extensive fieldwork opportunities.
Research Locations
The doctoral research will be conducted across multiple international institutions, ensuring a rich, collaborative learning environment. Research locations include:
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) – Mombasa, Kenya
- MARBEC Research Unit – France
- Field missions and collaborative research visits to Tanzania and South Africa
These diverse research settings will allow students to engage with real-world data and ecosystems across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Funding and Support
This PhD programme is fully funded through the IRD ARTS initiative. The scholarship covers:
- A monthly stipend commensurate with living costs
- Health insurance for the duration of the study
- Annual return travel between Kenya and France
- Research and fieldwork expenses directly related to the thesis
This comprehensive funding ensures that selected candidates can focus fully on their academic and scientific development without financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MESCAL Project PhD in Marine Science 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an IRD partner country, typically from developing regions
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as:
- Marine Science
- Ecology
- Oceanography
- Bioinformatics
- Or other closely related fields
Additional desired qualifications include:
- Experience in marine population dynamics, ecological modelling, statistics, or population genetics
- Proficiency in programming tools such as R, Python, or MATLAB
- Excellent teamwork, communication, and research skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate a strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and a commitment to advancing sustainable marine resource management.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are required to submit the following application materials by email on or before 10 March 2026. The email subject line should read:
“MESCAL ARTS connectivity PhD application”
Required Documents:
- A letter of motivation outlining your academic background and research interests
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact details for 2–4 professional or academic referees
- Recent academic transcripts and degree results (including class rankings if applicable)
All applications should be sent to the designated project email address listed in the official announcement.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 March 2026
- Programme Start Date: 1 September 2026
Need Help?
Need assistance preparing your proposal or refining your application documents?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
