[Full Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC) for 3.5 years. Last 6 months of the four-year registration period is self-funded for writing-up.]

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in Chemistry, focusing on ocean biomass catalysis and the development of enzyme-catalyst hybrids for renewable chemical production from invasive seaweed species. This project, OCEANCAT, is part of the Marine Institute, which boasts the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK and a century-long legacy of global marine research excellence.

The research addresses the growing challenge of invasive seaweed species such as Sargassum muticum in UK coastal waters, which disrupt marine habitats and threaten biodiversity. These fast-growing, nutrient-rich organisms, however, offer a promising renewable feedstock for sustainable chemical and fuel production. The project aims to transform this environmental challenge into an opportunity for advancing the UK’s low-carbon, circular economy.

Current methods for processing seaweed carbohydrates are inefficient, relying on separate enzymatic and chemical steps. This PhD will pioneer a biomimetic hybrid catalytic platform that integrates the precision of enzymes with the robustness of hierarchically structured heterogeneous catalysts. By mimicking natural compartmentalisation and metabolic pathways, the research will enable efficient, selective conversion of invasive seaweed into renewable platform chemicals and low-emission marine fuels.

The student will design and synthesise hierarchically porous nanomaterials with spatially controlled active sites, integrating them with tailored enzymes targeting seaweed-derived carbohydrates (notably from Ulva Lactuca). Experimental work will include material synthesis, enzyme immobilisation, and advanced characterisation techniques such as XRD, XPS, FT-IR, N2 porosimetry, TEM, and TGA, followed by catalytic testing to evaluate product selectivity, yield, and reusability.

Collaboration is a key feature of this studentship. The University of York’s Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) will provide expertise in seaweed composition and enzymatic processing, while Professor Wilson at Griffith University will support studies on enzyme-nanomaterial interactions. The student will be based within the Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis Group at Plymouth, receiving interdisciplinary training in catalysis, enzyme science, materials synthesis, and analytical characterisation. Research visits to York and Griffith University will further enhance bioscience and biocatalysis skills. Additional training includes transferable skills, conference participation, and engagement with UKRI and industry partners developing marine biorefineries.

Funding: The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and provides a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC) for 3.5 years. The final 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded writing-up period.

Eligibility: Applicants should have at least an upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Biotechnology, with a strong interest in catalysis, enzyme science, or materials chemistry. Non-native English speakers must meet the programme’s minimum English requirements (IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent).

Application: The studentship starts on 1st October 2026. Applications must be submitted via the University of Plymouth’s research studentships page by 12 noon on 2nd February 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Lee Durndell.