The University of Plymouth Marine Institute is offering a funded PhD opportunity focused on using nanotechnology to transform ocean-based climate mitigation. This research addresses the challenge of iron fertilization in the ocean, where iron is a limiting nutrient for algae in over 25% of global waters. By stimulating algal growth, photosynthesis is enhanced, and atmospheric CO₂ can be drawn down as algae and their detritus sink to the deep ocean. However, real-world studies have shown that added iron quickly becomes unavailable to algae, other nutrient limitations can hinder uptake, and algal biomass is rapidly recycled, re-releasing carbon. This innovative PhD project aims to develop a new nanotechnological approach to make ocean-based carbon drawdown more effective and sustainable. The successful candidate will design and fabricate doped, iron-based nanoparticles with precisely controlled physico-chemical properties to enhance biological uptake. The project also investigates whether physically removing nanoparticle–algae complexes can overcome rapid recycling, enable waste valorisation, and support a circular-economy approach to carbon management. Supervisors for this project include Professor Jamie Lead, Dr Craig Dedman-Jones, Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, and Professor Simon Ussher, all affiliated with the University of Plymouth. The research sits at the intersection of nanotechnology, marine science, climate solutions, and environmental chemistry, offering a unique opportunity for students passionate about sustainable innovation and blue carbon research. Funding is provided for tuition fees and a stipend, though specific financial details are not listed. Applicants should have a strong background in environmental science, chemistry, marine science, or related fields, with experience in nanotechnology, materials science, or algal biology considered advantageous. The application deadline is December 28, 2025. Interested candidates should visit the University of Plymouth website for the full advert and application instructions. Keywords: nanotechnology, marine science, climate mitigation, carbon removal, iron fertilization, algal growth, circular economy, environmental science, chemistry, blue carbon.

The University of Plymouth Marine Institute is offering a funded PhD opportunity focused on advancing plankton imaging and machine learning to transform marine biodiversity monitoring. This project addresses the critical need for improved plankton monitoring to detect biodiversity shifts and forecast climate impacts, which are essential for effective policy and conservation efforts. The studentship leverages recent advances in AI-powered image analysis and innovative sensor technology to expand the scope and accuracy of marine ecosystem assessments. The successful candidate will apply established policy indicators to new, high-resolution plankton imaging datasets, contributing to improved biodiversity assessments under the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks. Supervision is provided by a multidisciplinary team: Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop (University of Plymouth), Dr Clare Ostle (Marine Biological Association), Professor Adrien Desjardins (University of British Columbia), Dr James Scott (Cefas), and Dr Saskia Rühl (Plymouth Marine Laboratory). The project is supported by the Marine Research Plymouth Alliance and offers access to the Plankton & Policy Research Unit and early career networks. Applicants should have a strong background in marine ecology, environmental science, computer science, or related fields, with experience in machine learning or AI highly desirable. The PhD offers two funding options (MRP and SERVO), with details on financial support and eligibility available on the University of Plymouth website. The application deadline is December 28, 2025. To apply, candidates should visit the University of Plymouth website, review the full adverts for both funding options, and submit their application online. This opportunity is ideal for those passionate about marine science, AI, and research with direct policy impact.

[The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes Home rate tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed).] This 3.5-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change using cutting-edge machine learning techniques. Hosted within Marine Research Plymouth—a collaboration between the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Association—this project is at the forefront of global marine research, leveraging the UK's largest concentration of marine scientists. The project addresses a critical gap in marine biodiversity monitoring by applying advanced machine learning classifiers to plankton imaging data. Plankton are vital to marine food webs and global carbon cycles, serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change. However, current monitoring methods are insufficient for detecting biodiversity shifts and informing conservation policy. By integrating new imaging technologies and machine learning, the successful candidate will expand the use of biodiversity policy indicators, directly supporting the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks. The student will collect plankton images using an innovative benchtop flow-through imaging sensor and integrate these with existing datasets. Fieldwork opportunities include sea-based research with Cefas and an international visit to the University of British Columbia for instrument testing. The project will apply novel machine learning image classifiers to identify plankton taxa and quantify ecological traits such as size and biovolume—traits often missing from traditional datasets but essential for robust biodiversity analyses and policy evaluation. The resulting data will be used to characterize spatio-temporal ecological changes in the Northeast Atlantic. Through this studentship, the candidate will develop expertise in machine learning, plankton taxonomy, ecological trait analysis, and biodiversity indicator development. They will also contribute to the UK and OSPAR Pelagic Habitats Expert Groups and benefit from professional development through the Plankton and Policy Research Unit and Marine Research Plymouth’s early career network. Eligibility: Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or a related field. Interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong quantitative skills are particularly valued. Funding: The studentship covers Home rate tuition fees and provides a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed) for 3.5 years. Application: The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 2 February 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop. Apply via the University of Plymouth’s online portal using the provided link.

[The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC). The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.] PhD Studentship: Can Nanotechnology Help Fight Climate Change? The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year fully funded PhD studentship within its renowned Marine Institute, starting October 2026. This project is at the intersection of nanotechnology, marine science, and climate change mitigation, and is supervised by Professor Jamie Lead (Lead Supervisor), Dr Craig Dedman-Jones, Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, and Professor Simon Ussher. Project Overview: Iron is a limiting nutrient for algal growth in over 25% of the world’s oceans. Iron fertilisation can stimulate algal growth and photosynthesis, drawing down atmospheric CO 2 and sequestering carbon in the ocean. However, challenges such as rapid iron unavailability, co-limitation with other elements, and fast recycling of algae limit the effectiveness of traditional approaches. This innovative project explores whether a nanotechnological approach—specifically, the design and fabrication of doped, Fe-based nanoparticles—can enhance biouptake and provide a more sustainable solution for climate mitigation. The research will involve optimising nanoparticle synthesis, culturing algae, conducting exposure studies, and performing advanced analytical measurements (e.g., single particle and single cell ICP-MS). The project also investigates the physical removal of nanoparticle-algae complexes, addressing issues of algal cycling and contributing to the circular economy through waste valorisation. Training and Development: The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in nanoparticle synthesis, plankton taxonomy, instrumental analysis, laboratory best practices, quality assurance, science communication, and transferrable skills. The programme is designed to foster independent scientific thinking, hypothesis development, and methodological innovation. 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 hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in a quantitative subject such as chemistry, engineering, or marine science. Laboratory experience is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, motivated, and demonstrate leadership potential in their chosen field. Application Process: Applications must be submitted online via the University of Plymouth studentships page by 12 noon on Monday 2nd February 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Jamie Lead. Join a vibrant community of marine PhD students and contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact.

This 3.5-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change by applying cutting-edge machine learning techniques. Hosted within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, the project is eligible for either a SERVO or MRP studentship, each with distinct funding arrangements. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment involving the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Association, with additional fieldwork opportunities at sea and an international visit to the University of British Columbia. Plankton are vital components of marine food webs and global carbon cycles, serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change and helping predict climate impacts on ocean biodiversity. Despite technological advances in plankton imaging, current monitoring remains insufficient for detecting biodiversity shifts and informing conservation policy. This project addresses these gaps by leveraging recent developments in plankton imaging data classifiers, enabling the application of biodiversity policy indicators to new image datasets and directly improving assessments under the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks. The PhD candidate will collect plankton images using an innovative benchtop flow-through imaging sensor and integrate these with existing datasets. A novel machine learning image classifier will be used to identify plankton taxa and quantify key ecological traits such as size and biovolume, which are often missing from traditional datasets. The combined data will be used to characterize spatio-temporal ecological changes in the Northeast Atlantic, contributing to national and international marine biodiversity assessments. Training will be provided in machine learning, plankton taxonomy, ecological trait analysis, and biodiversity indicator development. The student will actively engage with the UK and OSPAR Pelagic Habitats Expert Groups, gaining valuable experience in both research and policy contexts. Fieldwork and international collaboration are integral parts of the project, offering a broad skillset and professional network. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or related fields. Interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong quantitative skills are highly encouraged. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency with an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. Funding is available for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and a stipend at the relevant UKRI or URS rate, depending on the studentship scheme. International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. The final six months of the four-year registration period are self-funded for thesis writing. No additional funding is provided for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, or travel. To apply, candidates should submit an online application via the University of Plymouth Postgraduate research studentships webpage, including a CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts, contact details for two referees, and proof of English language competency if required. The application deadline is 12 noon on Monday, 2nd February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified after the deadline, with interviews expected in March. For further informal discussion, contact Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop.

[Full Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend at the 2026/27 UKRI rate (to be confirmed; compare the 2025/26 UKRI rate of £20,780 per annum) for 3.5 years. The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.] The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD studentship in Marine Sciences, focusing on understanding plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change through the application of machine learning. This CASE studentship (SERVO) is based at the Marine Institute, a leading center for marine research in the UK, and offers the opportunity to join a vibrant community of marine PhD students. Plankton are vital to marine food webs and global carbon cycles, serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change and enabling predictions of climate impacts on ocean biodiversity. Despite advances in imaging technologies, current plankton monitoring is insufficient for detecting biodiversity shifts and informing conservation policy. This project addresses this gap by leveraging recent advancements in plankton imaging data classifiers, applying existing biodiversity policy indicators to new image data, and expanding datasets to improve biodiversity assessments under the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks. The successful candidate will collect plankton images using an innovative benchtop flow-through imaging sensor and integrate these with existing datasets. Fieldwork opportunities include collaboration with Cefas and a visit to the University of British Columbia for instrument field testing. A novel machine learning image classifier will be used to identify plankton taxa and quantify ecological traits such as size and biovolume, which are critical for biodiversity analyses and policy evaluation but often missing from traditional data. The combined data will be used to characterize spatio-temporal ecological change in the Northeast Atlantic. Through this studentship, you will develop skills in machine learning, plankton taxonomy, ecological trait analysis, and biodiversity indicator development, and contribute to the UK and OSPAR Pelagic Habitats Expert Groups. Professional development is supported by the Plankton and Policy Research Unit and Marine Research Plymouth’s early career network. Eligibility: Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters qualification in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or related fields. Interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong quantitative skills are particularly encouraged. The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26; 2026/27 rate to be confirmed) for 3.5 years. The final 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded writing-up period. Application Process: Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday, 2 February 2026. For further information and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth studentship webpage. Informal project discussions can be arranged with Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop.

Join the University of Plymouth's Marine Institute for a cutting-edge PhD studentship exploring the potential of nanotechnology to mitigate climate change. This 3.5-year funded opportunity is part of a suite of projects aimed at innovative solutions for the marine environment, starting October 2026. Plymouth is renowned for its global marine research and offers a vibrant community of marine PhD students. The project investigates whether nanotechnological approaches can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of iron fertilisation in the ocean—a process that stimulates algal growth and carbon sequestration. You will design and fabricate doped, Fe-based nanoparticles with tailored physico-chemical properties to improve biouptake, and study the physical removal of nanoparticle-algae complexes to address algal cycling and promote waste valorisation within the circular economy. This laboratory-based studentship involves optimising nanoparticle synthesis, culturing algae, conducting exposure studies, and performing advanced analytical measurements such as single particle and single cell ICP-MS. Comprehensive training will be provided in synthesis, plankton taxonomy, instrumental analysis, laboratory best practices, quality assurance, science communication, and transferrable skills. You will also have opportunities to develop your own research ideas and methodologies. Supervision is provided by Professor Jamie Lead (Director of Studies), Dr Craig Dedman-Jones, Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, and Professor Simon Ussher, offering expertise across marine science, chemistry, and environmental research. Eligibility requires a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in a quantitative discipline (chemistry, engineering, marine science), with laboratory experience preferred. International applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component). Funding covers full Home or International tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate (2026/27 rate to be confirmed; 2025/26 rate is £20,780 per annum). The final six months are self-funded for thesis writing. No additional support is available for visa, NHS surcharge, or travel costs. To apply, submit your application online with a CV, personal statement, degree certificates/transcripts, referee contact details, and proof of English proficiency if required. The deadline is 12 noon, 2nd February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified after the deadline, with interviews expected in March. For queries, contact [email protected]. For more details and to apply, visit the project page: Can Nanotechnology Help Fight Climate Change?

[The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes Home rate tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed).] This 3.5-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth, in partnership with Marine Research Plymouth, the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Association, offers an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change using cutting-edge machine learning techniques. The project is designed to address critical gaps in current plankton monitoring by leveraging recent advancements in imaging technologies and machine learning classifiers, with the goal of improving biodiversity assessments and informing marine policy under the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks. Plankton are vital to marine food webs and global carbon cycles, serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change. However, traditional monitoring methods are insufficient for detecting biodiversity shifts and modeling ocean responses to climate stressors. This studentship will apply existing biodiversity policy indicators to new, high-resolution plankton image data, significantly expanding available datasets and directly enhancing policy-relevant biodiversity assessments. The successful candidate will collect plankton images using an innovative benchtop flow-through imaging sensor and integrate these with existing datasets from established platforms. Fieldwork opportunities include collaboration with Cefas at sea and a visit to the University of British Columbia to field test the new instrument. A novel machine learning image classifier tool will be used to classify plankton taxa and quantify essential ecological traits such as size and biovolume—traits often missing from traditional datasets but critical for biodiversity analysis and policy evaluation. The combined data will be used to characterize spatio-temporal ecological changes in the Northeast Atlantic. Throughout the project, the student will develop expertise in machine learning, plankton taxonomy, ecological trait analysis, and biodiversity indicator development. They will also actively contribute to the UK and OSPAR Pelagic Habitats Expert Groups and benefit from professional development opportunities through the University of Plymouth’s Plankton and Policy Research Unit and the Marine Research Plymouth early career network. Eligibility: Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters qualification in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or related fields. Interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong quantitative skills are particularly encouraged. Funding: The studentship covers Home rate tuition fees and provides a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed) for 3.5 years. Application Process: Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday, 2nd February 2026. For further information and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth studentship webpage. Informal project discussions can be arranged with Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop.

[Full Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26; 2026/27 rate to be confirmed). Last 6 months of the four-year registration period is self-funded for writing-up.] The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD studentship in Marine Sciences, focusing on understanding plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change through the application of machine learning. Hosted by the Marine Institute, this CASE studentship (SERVO) offers the opportunity to join the UK's largest concentration of marine researchers and a vibrant community of PhD students. The project addresses critical gaps in plankton monitoring and biodiversity assessment by leveraging recent advances in imaging technologies and machine learning classifiers. Plankton are essential to marine food webs and global carbon cycles, serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change and climate impacts on ocean biodiversity. However, current monitoring methods are insufficient for detecting biodiversity shifts and informing conservation policies. This studentship will apply existing biodiversity policy indicators to new plankton image data, expanding datasets and improving assessments under the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks. The candidate will collect plankton images using an innovative benchtop flow-through imaging sensor and integrate these with existing datasets. Field work opportunities include collaboration with Cefas and instrument testing at the University of British Columbia. A novel machine learning image classifier will be used to identify plankton taxa and quantify ecological traits such as size and biovolume, which are crucial for biodiversity analyses and policy evaluation but often missing from traditional data. The research will characterise spatio-temporal ecological changes in plankton communities in the Northeast Atlantic. The successful candidate will gain expertise in machine learning, plankton taxonomy, ecological trait analysis, and biodiversity indicator development, contributing to the UK and OSPAR Pelagic Habitats Expert Groups. Professional development is supported through the Plankton and Policy Research Unit and the Marine Research Plymouth early career network. Eligibility requires a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or related fields. Interdisciplinary candidates with strong quantitative skills are encouraged to apply. The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26; 2026/27 rate to be confirmed). The final six months of the four-year registration period are self-funded for writing-up. The application deadline is 2 February 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop. Apply via the University of Plymouth studentships page.

[3.5 years of support including Home rate tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed).] This 3.5-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding of plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change using cutting-edge machine learning techniques. Hosted within Marine Research Plymouth—a collaborative partnership with the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Marine Biological Association—the project is embedded in the UK's largest concentration of marine researchers, providing a vibrant and supportive research environment. The project addresses a critical gap in marine biodiversity monitoring by leveraging recent advances in plankton imaging and machine learning classifiers. Plankton are vital to marine food webs and global carbon cycles, serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change and climate impacts on ocean biodiversity. Despite technological improvements in plankton imaging, these rich datasets are underutilized in biodiversity assessments and policy frameworks. This studentship aims to apply existing biodiversity policy indicators to new plankton image data, expanding datasets and directly enhancing biodiversity assessments under the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks. As a PhD student, you will collect plankton images using an innovative benchtop flow-through imaging sensor and integrate these with existing datasets from established platforms. You will have opportunities for field work at sea in collaboration with Cefas and to visit the University of British Columbia for instrument field testing. The project involves applying a novel machine learning image classifier to identify plankton taxa and quantify key ecological traits such as size and biovolume—traits often missing from traditional datasets but essential for robust biodiversity analyses and policy evaluation. The combined data will be used to characterize spatio-temporal ecological changes in the Northeast Atlantic. Throughout the studentship, you will develop expertise in machine learning, plankton taxonomy, ecological trait analysis, and biodiversity indicator development. You will actively contribute to the UK and OSPAR Pelagic Habitats Expert Groups and benefit from professional development opportunities through the Plankton and Policy Research Unit and Marine Research Plymouth’s early career network. Funding: The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering Home rate tuition fees and providing a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed). Eligibility: Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters qualification in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or related fields. Interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong quantitative skills are highly valued. Application: The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday, 2nd February 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop. Apply via the University of Plymouth studentship webpage.

[Studentship supported for 3.5 years, includes Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC). Last 6 months of the four-year registration period is self-funded for writing-up.] The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD studentship within its renowned Marine Institute, focusing on the innovative use of nanotechnology to address climate change. This project explores whether doped, Fe-based nanoparticles can enhance iron fertilisation in the ocean, thereby promoting algal growth and increasing carbon sequestration. Iron is a limiting nutrient for algal growth in over 25% of the world’s oceans, and its strategic addition can stimulate photosynthesis, drawing down atmospheric CO2. However, traditional approaches face challenges such as rapid iron unavailability, co-limitation with other elements, and fast recycling of algae, which limit the effectiveness of carbon drawdown. This solution-driven research aims to design and fabricate nanoparticles with tightly controlled physico-chemical properties to improve biouptake and sustainability. The project will also investigate the physical removal of nanoparticle-algae complexes, addressing issues of algal cycling and contributing to waste valorisation and the circular economy. The studentship offers a laboratory-based environment where the successful candidate will optimise nanoparticle synthesis, culture algae, conduct exposure studies, and perform advanced analytical measurements using techniques like single particle and single cell ICP-MS. Comprehensive training and mentoring will be provided, covering synthesis, plankton taxonomy, instrumental analysis, laboratory best practices, quality assurance, science communication, and transferrable skills. By the end of the project, the student will be equipped to initiate and plan scientific studies, develop and test hypotheses, and create methodological procedures, fostering independence and leadership in research. Eligibility requires a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in a quantitative discipline such as chemistry, engineering, or marine science. Laboratory experience is highly valued, and candidates should demonstrate motivation and the potential for leadership in their field. The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed). The final six months of the four-year registration period are self-funded for thesis writing. Applications are open until 12 noon on Monday, 2nd February 2026, with the studentship commencing on 1st October 2026. For informal discussions about the project, prospective applicants may contact Professor Jamie Lead. For further details and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth studentships webpage.