The University of Plymouth invites applications for three 3.5-year PhD studentships within the Marine Institute, focusing on the development and evaluation of design criteria to end microplastic pollution. This project is part of a suite of eight research topics, with three studentships to be allocated based on candidate-project fit. The studentships are scheduled to begin on 1st October 2026. Plymouth is renowned for its global marine research, hosting the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK. The successful candidate will join the International Marine Litter Research Unit, led by Professor Richard Thompson, a world expert in microplastic pollution, and supported by Professors Kristian Syberg, Morten Birkved, and Kate Goldsworthy, who bring expertise in circular economy, performance assessment, and circular design. The research will address the environmental impacts of microplastics, particularly those generated by the wear of tyres and textiles. The project aims to develop upstream solutions by creating comprehensive frameworks and criteria for safer and more sustainable product design. The work is highly relevant to the implementation of the UN global treaty to end plastic pollution and regional regulations such as Euro-7. Methodologically, the project is predominantly desk-based, involving systematic reviews of microplastic shedding, sustainability, and chemical safety. The candidate will synthesize life cycle characteristics of materials, shedding behavior, toxicity, and end-of-life management for various design options. Supported by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circular economy assessment, the research will evaluate the essentiality, safety, and sustainability of different product formulations for textiles and tyres, with broader applicability to sectors like agriculture and packaging. Training will be provided in systematic review techniques, LCA, chemical hazard analysis, circular economy frameworks, and science-to-policy translation. The studentship offers a vibrant interdisciplinary environment and opportunities for secondments with global experts. Eligibility requires a strong first degree in a relevant field (environmental science, LCA, product design, ecotoxicology, material science). A relevant postgraduate qualification or experience in textiles or transportation is advantageous. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (no less than 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 of the four-year registration period are self-funded. No additional funding is available for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, or flights. To apply, submit an online application including CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts, contact details for two referees, and proof of English language competency if required. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday, 2nd February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified after the deadline, with interviews expected in March. For further information, contact [email protected].

[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 to be confirmed). 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 fully funded PhD studentship focused on developing and evaluating design criteria to end microplastic pollution. Hosted by the Marine Institute and the International Marine Litter Research Unit, this project addresses the urgent global challenge of microplastic contamination, particularly from sources such as tyres and textiles. The research aims to create comprehensive frameworks and criteria to drive safer and more sustainable product design, aligning with the UN global treaty to end plastic pollution and regional regulations like Euro-7. The successful candidate will conduct predominantly desk-based research, including systematic reviews of microplastic shedding, sustainability (circularity), and chemical composition (safety). The project will synthesize and build a database of life cycle characteristics—such as materials, shedding behaviour, toxicity, and end-of-life management—for various design options. Supported by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circular economy assessment, the research will evaluate the essentiality, safety, and sustainability of different product formulations for textiles and tyres, with broader applicability to sectors like agriculture and packaging. Supervision will be provided by Professor Richard Thompson (lead, expert in microplastic pollution), with support from Professors Kristian Syberg (circular economy), Morten Birkved (performance assessment), and Kate Goldsworthy (circular design). The candidate will benefit from secondments with global experts and receive training in systematic review techniques, LCA, chemical hazard analysis, circular economy frameworks, and science-to-policy translation. Eligibility requirements include a strong first degree in a relevant field (environmental science, LCA, product design, ecotoxicology, or material science). A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or experience in the textile or transportation sectors is advantageous. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum English language requirement (IELTS Academic 6.5 or equivalent). The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and 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. The position is due to start on 1 October 2026. For further information and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth's application portal. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 2 February 2026.

[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.