Heriot-Watt University is offering two fully funded PhD opportunities at the Lyell Centre in Edinburgh, focusing on the frontier of environmental research. The first project investigates the organic matter reactivity continuum in UK coastal shelf seas, exploring how organic matter transforms across dynamic marine environments. This research is central to the UK’s blue carbon strategy and aims to provide actionable insights for climate mitigation and marine management. The project involves advanced biogeochemical analysis, field campaigns, and collaboration with CEFAS, using state-of-the-art techniques to characterize organic matter and assess its reactivity under various disturbance regimes. Supervision is provided by Dr Ryan Pereira (Heriot-Watt University), Dr Craig Smeaton (University of St Andrews), and partners at CEFAS.

The second project, part of the ECOWILD CDT, focuses on riparian zones and carbon-water dynamics in rewilding landscapes. It aims to understand how riparian-derived organic matter reactivity is shaped by hydrological variability, nutrient enrichment, and metal interactions, particularly under climate extremes. The research adopts a transect-based design within the Tweed catchment and utilizes advanced molecular characterization and laboratory incubation experiments. The supervisory team includes Dr Ryan Pereira (Heriot-Watt University), Professor Chris Spray (Tweed Forum Dundee University), Dr Oliver Moore (York University), and Dr Alan MacDonald (BGS).

Both projects offer world-class training in environmental science, biogeochemistry, wetland ecology, and multi-stressor science. Students will gain hands-on experience in fieldwork, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and science-to-policy translation. The positions are ideal for candidates with backgrounds in environmental science, chemistry, geoscience, or related fields, and a passion for tackling real-world environmental challenges. Funding covers tuition, stipend, and support for research activities. Applications are open, with a deadline of October 27, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the project links or contact Dr Ryan Pereira at [email protected].