Publisher
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University of Plymouth

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

Full funding available

Deadline

Oct 16, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Plymouth

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Biology
Analytical Chemistry
Toxicology
Hepatology
Medical Science
Microplastic

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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

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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