[3.5 years of full 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 a self-funded writing-up period.] PhD Studentship in Chemistry: Ocean Biomass Catalysis – Enzyme-Catalyst Hybrids for Renewable Chemical Production from Invasive Seaweed Species (OCEANCAT) The University of Plymouth invites applications for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship within its renowned Marine Institute, starting 1 October 2026. This project is part of the Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis Group and offers a unique opportunity to join the UK’s largest concentration of marine researchers. Project Overview: The UK’s coastal waters face increasing challenges from invasive seaweed species such as Sargassum muticum , which threaten marine biodiversity but also offer a vast, renewable resource for sustainable chemical and fuel production. This PhD project aims to transform this environmental challenge into a green opportunity by developing a biomimetic hybrid catalytic platform that integrates the selectivity of enzymes with the robustness of hierarchically structured heterogeneous catalysts. The research will enable efficient, selective conversion of invasive seaweed into renewable platform chemicals and low-emission marine fuels, directly supporting UK priorities in bioscience, sustainable manufacturing, and biodiversity restoration. Research Activities: The student will design and synthesise hierarchically porous nanomaterials with spatially controlled active sites, integrate them with tailored enzymes targeting seaweed-derived carbohydrates, and perform advanced characterisation (XRD, XPS, FT-IR, N 2 porosimetry, TEM, TGA). Catalytic testing will evaluate product selectivity, yield, and reusability. The project includes collaboration with the University of York’s Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) for expertise in seaweed composition and enzymatic processing, and with Griffith University for enzyme-nanomaterial interaction studies. Training and Development: The successful candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in catalysis, enzyme science, materials synthesis, and analytical characterisation, as well as transferable skills, conference participation, and engagement with UKRI and industry partners. Research visits to York and Griffith University will further enhance bioscience and biocatalysis skills. Funding: 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. Eligibility: Applicants must hold at least an upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Biotechnology, and demonstrate a strong interest in catalysis, enzyme science, or materials chemistry. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent. Application Process: Apply via the University of Plymouth studentships page by 12 noon on 2 February 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Lee Durndell.

The University of Plymouth invites applications for three 3.5-year PhD studentships in the field of ocean biomass catalysis, focusing on enzyme-catalyst hybrids for renewable chemical production from invasive seaweed species. Hosted by the Marine Institute, this project is part of a suite of eight research topics, with three studentships to be allocated based on candidate-project fit. The anticipated start date is October 1, 2026. Invasive seaweed species such as Sargassum muticum are increasingly impacting UK coastal waters, disrupting marine habitats and threatening biodiversity. However, these fast-growing, nutrient-rich organisms offer a promising renewable feedstock for sustainable chemical and fuel production. The project aims to transform this environmental challenge into an opportunity for ecosystem protection and advancement of the UK’s low-carbon, circular economy. Current methods for processing seaweed carbohydrates are inefficient, relying on separate enzymatic and chemical steps. This PhD project 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 successful candidate 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 (XRD, XPS, FT-IR, N 2 porosimetry, TEM, TGA), followed by catalytic testing to evaluate product selectivity, yield, and reusability. Collaboration with 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 will include transferable skills, conference participation, and engagement with UKRI and industry partners developing marine biorefineries. Eligibility: Applicants should hold 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 minimum English requirements (IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component). Funding: The studentships cover 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) for 3.5 years. The final 6 months of the four-year registration period are self-funded for writing-up. No additional funding is available for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, or flights. Application Process: Apply online via the provided link, submitting a CV, personal statement, degree certificates/transcripts, contact details for two referees, and proof of English language competency if applicable. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday, February 2, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified after the deadline, with interviews likely in March. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Lee Durndell.

[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.