[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, N₂ 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.