[Fully-funded ARIES studentship covering tuition fees, maintenance stipend of £20,780 per annum for 2025/26 (2026/27 rate TBC), and research costs.]

This fully-funded PhD opportunity at the University of Plymouth focuses on the ecology of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), with a particular emphasis on connecting functional diversity and ecosystem resilience. VMEs, such as deep-sea coral gardens and sponge fields, are recognized as biodiversity hotspots that provide essential ecosystem services through their complex structures. However, these habitats are increasingly threatened by human activities including fishing, resource extraction, and climate change.

The project aims to advance scientific understanding of VME functional ecology and develop robust, science-based indicators of ecosystem health. By quantifying the functional diversity—the range of ecological roles species fulfill within a community—the research will help assess vulnerability and inform conservation strategies for VMEs. The outcomes will directly support international policy goals for deep-sea biodiversity protection.

Research will employ a combination of seafloor visual surveys, targeted biological sampling, and AI-assisted image analyses. Key objectives include defining and quantifying functional traits of VME taxa, identifying major functional groups, mapping functional diversity, comparing it to taxonomic diversity, and developing indicators of ecosystem health and resilience across different VME types. Predictive spatial models will be built to forecast VME distribution and resilience under future climate scenarios.

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in deep-sea survey techniques using remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, image annotation (including AI-based approaches), functional trait analysis, taxonomic identification of deep-sea benthos, biodiversity metrics, and spatial predictive modelling. Professional development opportunities include participation in research cruises, collaboration with international scientists, scientific presentations, and co-authorship of publications beyond the PhD thesis. This training is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academia, environmental consultancy, conservation, and resource management.

Applicants should possess a first or upper second class honours degree in Biological or Environmental Science, or a relevant Masters qualification. Strong analytical skills and a keen interest in biodiversity, functional ecology, image/video analysis, and conservation are essential. Experience with programming, statistical analysis, or spatial modelling is desirable but not mandatory, as full training will be provided. Willingness to participate in multi-week ship-based fieldwork is welcomed but not required. Non-native English speakers must meet the programme’s minimum English language requirements (IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no less than 5.5 in each component).

Funding is provided through a fully-funded ARIES studentship, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend of £20,780 per annum for 2025/26 (2026/27 rate TBC), and research costs. The PhD studentship will commence on 1 October 2026 and run for 3.5 years. The application deadline is 7 January 2026.

For further information or informal discussion about the project, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Kerry Howell at [email protected]. Applications should be submitted via the University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training webpage, ensuring all supporting documents are uploaded as specified.