University of Plymouth
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PhD in Hepatic Micro- and Nanoplastic Accumulation and Clearance in Liver Disease University of Plymouth in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
Fully funded PhD studentship for 3 years, including full Home tuition fees and a stipend of £19,830 per annum (2026/27 rate). The studentship only fully funds applicants eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. International-fee applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. No additional funding is available for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, flights, or other expenses. The fourth year of the registration period is self-funded writin
Deadline
Oct 16, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Plymouth
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Plymouth / Peninsula Medical School in Project SHIELD: Systematic assessment of Hepatic micro- and nanoplastic accumulatIon and clearance in Liver Disease. This is a fully funded PhD studentship in a highly interdisciplinary project spanning environmental science, hepatology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, toxicology, and medical science.
The project investigates how micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) accumulate, persist, and are cleared from the liver, and whether they contribute to disease pathways in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The successful candidate will work with human liver, blood, and bile samples from a large patient cohort, patient-derived organoid models, and advanced analytical platforms including Pyrolysis-GC/MS, Raman spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics, and ICP-MS.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,830 per annum (2026/27 rate). Applicants eligible only for International fees must cover the difference between Home and International tuition. The fourth year of the registration period is a self-funded writing-up year. No extra funding is available for visa costs, flights, or NHS Immigration Health Surcharge.
Eligibility: a First or Upper Second Class (2:1) honours degree is required, and a Master's degree is preferred. Relevant backgrounds include Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or closely related fields. Research experience from a Master's project or as a Research Assistant/Technician is preferred. Useful skills include mammalian cell culture, organoid culture, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, microscopy, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. Non-native English speakers need IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.
Deadline: 16 October 2026. Applications are submitted through the online application link and should include a CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts, two referees, and proof of English language competency if applicable.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD studentship for 3 years, including full Home tuition fees and a stipend of £19,830 per annum (2026/27 rate). The studentship only fully funds applicants eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. International-fee applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. No additional funding is available for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, flights, or other expenses. The fourth year of the registration period is self-funded writin
What's required
Applicants should hold a First or Upper Second Class (2:1) honours degree and preferably a Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline such as Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry or a closely related subject. Research experience from a Master's project or as a Research Assistant/Technician is preferred. Advantageous experience includes mammalian cell culture, organoid culture, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, microscopy, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, transcriptomics or bioinformatics. Applicants must be highly motivated, organised, enthusiastic about multidisciplinary research, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Non-native English speakers need IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
How to apply
Apply via the online application link on the FindAPhD page. Upload a CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts, contact details for two referees, and proof of English language competency if applicable. Ensure all required information is included because incomplete applications will not be considered.
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