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

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD studentship focused on developing and evaluating design criteria to end microplastic pollution, as part of the End-Microplastic project. Hosted by the Marine Institute, this opportunity places students within the International Marine Litter Research Unit, a leading center for marine research in the UK. The project addresses the urgent global challenge of microplastic pollution, targeting primary sources such as tyre and textile wear. These microplastics are both prevalent and toxic, necessitating innovative upstream solutions in product design.

The research aims to create comprehensive frameworks and criteria for safer and more sustainable design of textiles and tyres, directly supporting the implementation of the UN global treaty to end plastic pollution and regional measures like the Euro-7 regulations. The work will be predominantly desk-based, involving systematic reviews of microplastic shedding, circularity, and chemical composition. Students will synthesize data to build a database of life cycle characteristics, including materials, shedding behavior, toxicity, and end-of-life management for various design options.

Supported by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circular economy assessment, the project will evaluate the essentiality, safety, and sustainability of contrasting product formulations. The findings will also be assessed for broader applicability to other sectors, such as plastics in agriculture and packaging. Training will be provided in systematic review techniques, LCA, chemical hazard analysis, circular economy frameworks, and science-to-policy translation.

Supervision is provided by Professor Richard Thompson, an expert in microplastic pollution, with additional guidance from global experts in performance assessment (Professor Morten Birkved), circular economy (Professor Kristian Syberg), and circular design (Professor Kate Goldsworthy). The studentship includes full Home or International tuition fees and a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed) for 3.5 years. The final six months of the four-year registration period are self-funded for writing-up.

Eligibility requires a strong first degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, life cycle assessment, product design, ecotoxicology, or materials science. A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or experience in textile or transportation sectors is advantageous. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum English requirements (IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent). Applications are open until 12 noon on 2nd February 2026, with the studentship commencing on 1st October 2026. For informal discussions, prospective applicants may contact Professor Richard Thompson. For further details and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth studentship webpage.