Understanding plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change by applying machine learning – A CASE studentship University of Plymouth in United Kingdom

This 3.5-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change by applying cutting-edge machine learning techniques. Hosted within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, the project is eligible for either a SERVO or MRP studentship, each with distinct funding arrangements. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment involving the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Association, with additional fieldwork opportunities at sea and an international visit to the University of British Columbia.

Plankton are vital components of marine food webs and global carbon cycles, serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change and helping predict climate impacts on ocean biodiversity. Despite technological advances in plankton imaging, current monitoring remains insufficient for detecting biodiversity shifts and informing conservation policy. This project addresses these gaps by leveraging recent developments in plankton imaging data classifiers, enabling the application of biodiversity policy indicators to new image datasets and directly improving assessments under the UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks.

The PhD candidate will collect plankton images using an innovative benchtop flow-through imaging sensor and integrate these with existing datasets. A novel machine learning image classifier will be used to identify plankton taxa and quantify key ecological traits such as size and biovolume, which are often missing from traditional datasets. The combined data will be used to characterize spatio-temporal ecological changes in the Northeast Atlantic, contributing to national and international marine biodiversity assessments.

Training will be provided in machine learning, plankton taxonomy, ecological trait analysis, and biodiversity indicator development. The student will actively engage with the UK and OSPAR Pelagic Habitats Expert Groups, gaining valuable experience in both research and policy contexts. Fieldwork and international collaboration are integral parts of the project, offering a broad skillset and professional network.

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree or a Masters in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or related fields. Interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong quantitative skills are highly encouraged. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency with an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent.

Funding is available for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees and a stipend at the relevant UKRI or URS rate, depending on the studentship scheme. International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. The final six months of the four-year registration period are self-funded for thesis writing. No additional funding is provided for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, or travel.

To apply, candidates should submit an online application via the University of Plymouth Postgraduate research studentships webpage, including a CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts, contact details for two referees, and proof of English language competency if required. The application deadline is 12 noon on Monday, 2nd February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified after the deadline, with interviews expected in March. For further informal discussion, contact Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop.