PhD studentship: The Bigger Picture: Integrating Plankton Imaging Techniques to Explore Ecosystem Structure and Function University of Essex in United Kingdom

[Fully funded ARIES studentship covering Home fees, maintenance stipend of £21,805 p.a. for 2026-27, and a £2,500 research training and support grant. Limited number of studentships available for international applicants, with the difference between Home and International fees waived by the registering university.]

PhD studentship at the University of Essex on integrating plankton imaging techniques to better understand marine ecosystem structure and function.

This project is part of the ARIES doctoral training programme and is focused on marine plankton communities, which are key indicators of environmental change and essential components of ocean food webs, fisheries productivity, and carbon cycling. The research will use size-based imaging technologies alongside traditional net sampling to investigate how plankton communities vary seasonally and between years in two important marine regions: the Scotia Sea in the Southern Ocean and the Western English Channel.

You will study how environmental drivers such as temperature, nutrient availability, sea ice, and mixed layer depth shape plankton community size spectra, vertical particle flux, and carbon export. The project also uses sediment trap data and elemental analysis to support interpretation of ecosystem processes. A central goal is to test how well imaging-based methods complement conventional plankton sampling for characterising community structure.

The studentship offers training in plankton taxonomy, image processing, ecological statistics, safe laboratory practice, oceanographic data handling, and field ecology. Laboratory work will include sample processing, microscopy, and benchtop imaging. Depending on the student’s interests, the project may also develop into topics such as krill dynamics, carbon export, nutritional quality, or rapid ecosystem monitoring using machine-learning tools.

Field opportunities may include UK-based fieldwork for quantitative plankton sampling and seagoing experience. Antarctic fieldwork may also be possible, although it cannot be guaranteed. The post is suitable for candidates with backgrounds in marine science, biological oceanography, environmental science, data science, computer science, or related disciplines.

Funding is fully supported through ARIES, covering Home fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026–27, and a £2,500 research training and support grant. A limited number of places may be available for international applicants, with the difference between Home and International tuition fees waived by the registering university; however, relocation and living costs in the UK are not covered.

Applicants should have a first degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Natural Sciences, or equivalent, and should demonstrate strong analytical, numerical, and practical skills. Coding or quantitative experience in a biological or ecological context is desirable, though full training is provided.

The application deadline is 16 December 2026. Applicants should apply through the ARIES studentships portal and contact the listed supervisor, Mrs Elaine Fileman, via [email protected] for project-specific queries.