University of Essex
6 days ago
PhD Studentship: Promoting Coral Recovery After Bleaching Events (CASE Project with Tropical Marine Centre) University of Essex in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 16, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Essex

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About this position
PhD Studentship at the University of Essex in collaboration with Tropical Marine Centre.
This CASE project explores how corals recover after bleaching events, a critical question for understanding reef resilience under climate change. Working in the Essex Coral Reef Research Unit aquarium, the project combines coral husbandry, advanced live imaging, and microsensor techniques to study symbiont dynamics and the environmental conditions that influence recovery inside coral tissue.
You will use non-invasive imaging methods such as light-sheet microscopy and optical coherence tomography, and develop an imaging pipeline to track coral recovery over time. You will also work with optical and chemical microsensors to investigate internal coral conditions and how they affect symbiont growth. The project aims to identify mechanisms that support recovery and inform strategies to improve coral health after bleaching.
Training and development are a major part of the studentship. You will gain experience in research aquarium experimentation, coral husbandry, data analysis for complex 3D imaging datasets, and communicating research to academic and non-academic audiences. The collaboration with Tropical Marine Centre offers exposure to the commercial marine industry and specialist training from a leading UK coral husbandry company.
Funding: This is a fully funded ARIES studentship. It covers Home fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026-27, and a research training and support grant of £2,500. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between Home and International fees waived by the registering university. Additional relocation and living costs in the UK are not covered.
Eligibility: Applicants should have a strong interest in marine biology and mechanistic research, with a willingness to learn new techniques quickly. A background in coral husbandry and/or microscopy is helpful but not required. An appropriate first degree is expected; biological sciences are preferred, though other scientific disciplines may be considered.
Deadline: Applications close on 16 December 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
A passion for marine biology and mechanistic research, with the ability to learn new methods rapidly and an interest in developing new ones. Experience in coral husbandry and/or microscopy is advantageous but not essential. Acceptable first degree subject(s): any biological sciences degree; other scientific disciplines will be considered.
How to apply
Apply via the ARIES studentships page using the provided application link. Submit your application before 16 December 2026. For project-specific queries, contact Dr Elena Bollati by email.
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