[Fully-funded ARIES studentship covering fees, maintenance stipend (£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, including deep-sea coral gardens and sponge fields, are recognized as biodiversity hotspots that provide essential ecosystem services but are increasingly threatened by human activities such as 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 range of ecological roles species fulfill within these communities, the research will help assess vulnerability and inform conservation strategies, directly supporting international policy goals for deep-sea biodiversity protection.

Methodologically, the research will integrate seafloor visual surveys, targeted biological sampling, and AI-assisted image analysis to define and quantify functional traits of VME taxa. The candidate will identify key functional groups, map functional diversity, compare it to taxonomic diversity, and develop 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.

Training will be comprehensive, including 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, presentations at scientific conferences, and co-authorship of publications beyond the PhD thesis.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, with strong analytical skills and a keen interest in biodiversity, functional ecology, image/video analysis, and conservation. While experience with programming, statistical analysis, or spatial modelling is desirable, full training will be provided. Willingness to participate in multi-week ship-based fieldwork is welcomed but not required.

Eligibility requirements include a first or upper second class honours degree in Biological or Environmental Science or a relevant Masters qualification. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the minimum English language requirements for the programme (IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no less than 5.5 in each component test area, or equivalent).

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded ARIES studentship, which covers tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26; 2026/27 rate to be confirmed), and research costs. The studentship lasts for 3.5 years, starting on 1 October 2026.

For informal discussions 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, with all required supporting documents uploaded. The application deadline is 7 January 2026.