PhD Studentship: Can Nanotechnology Help Fight Climate Change? University of Plymouth in United Kingdom

[The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC). The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.]

PhD Studentship: Can Nanotechnology Help Fight Climate Change?

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year fully funded PhD studentship within its renowned Marine Institute, starting October 2026. This project is at the intersection of nanotechnology, marine science, and climate change mitigation, and is supervised by Professor Jamie Lead (Lead Supervisor), Dr Craig Dedman-Jones, Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, and Professor Simon Ussher.

Project Overview: Iron is a limiting nutrient for algal growth in over 25% of the world’s oceans. Iron fertilisation can stimulate algal growth and photosynthesis, drawing down atmospheric CO₂ and sequestering carbon in the ocean. However, challenges such as rapid iron unavailability, co-limitation with other elements, and fast recycling of algae limit the effectiveness of traditional approaches. This innovative project explores whether a nanotechnological approach—specifically, the design and fabrication of doped, Fe-based nanoparticles—can enhance biouptake and provide a more sustainable solution for climate mitigation.

The research will involve optimising nanoparticle synthesis, culturing algae, conducting exposure studies, and performing advanced analytical measurements (e.g., single particle and single cell ICP-MS). The project also investigates the physical removal of nanoparticle-algae complexes, addressing issues of algal cycling and contributing to the circular economy through waste valorisation.

Training and Development: The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in nanoparticle synthesis, plankton taxonomy, instrumental analysis, laboratory best practices, quality assurance, science communication, and transferrable skills. The programme is designed to foster independent scientific thinking, hypothesis development, and methodological innovation.

Funding: The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and provides 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 should hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in a quantitative subject such as chemistry, engineering, or marine science. Laboratory experience is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, motivated, and demonstrate leadership potential in their chosen field.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted online via the University of Plymouth studentships page by 12 noon on Monday 2nd February 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Jamie Lead. Join a vibrant community of marine PhD students and contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact.