PhD Studentship: Developing and Evaluating Design Criteria to End Microplastic Pollution (End-Microplastic) 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 to be confirmed). The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded 'writing-up' period.]

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year fully funded PhD studentship focused on developing and evaluating design criteria to end microplastic pollution. Hosted by the Marine Institute and the International Marine Litter Research Unit, this project addresses the urgent global challenge of microplastic contamination, particularly from sources such as tyres and textiles. The research aims to create comprehensive frameworks and criteria to drive safer and more sustainable product design, aligning with the UN global treaty to end plastic pollution and regional regulations like Euro-7.

The successful candidate will conduct predominantly desk-based research, including systematic reviews of microplastic shedding, sustainability (circularity), and chemical composition (safety). The project will synthesize and build a database of life cycle characteristics—such as materials, shedding behaviour, toxicity, and end-of-life management—for various design options. Supported by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circular economy assessment, the research will evaluate the essentiality, safety, and sustainability of different product formulations for textiles and tyres, with broader applicability to sectors like agriculture and packaging.

Supervision will be provided by Professor Richard Thompson (lead, expert in microplastic pollution), with support from Professors Kristian Syberg (circular economy), Morten Birkved (performance assessment), and Kate Goldsworthy (circular design). The candidate will benefit from secondments with global experts and receive training in systematic review techniques, LCA, chemical hazard analysis, circular economy frameworks, and science-to-policy translation.

Eligibility requirements include a strong first degree in a relevant field (environmental science, LCA, product design, ecotoxicology, or material science). A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or experience in the textile or transportation sectors is advantageous. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum English language requirement (IELTS Academic 6.5 or equivalent).

The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and 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. The position is due to start on 1 October 2026. For further information and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth's application portal. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 2 February 2026.