Jamie Lead

The University of Plymouth Marine Institute is offering a funded PhD opportunity focused on using nanotechnology to transform ocean-based climate mitigation. This research addresses the challenge of iron fertilization in the ocean, where iron is a limiting nutrient for algae in over 25% of global waters. By stimulating algal growth, photosynthesis is enhanced, and atmospheric CO₂ can be drawn down as algae and their detritus sink to the deep ocean. However, real-world studies have shown that added iron quickly becomes unavailable to algae, other nutrient limitations can hinder uptake, and algal biomass is rapidly recycled, re-releasing carbon. This innovative PhD project aims to develop a new nanotechnological approach to make ocean-based carbon drawdown more effective and sustainable. The successful candidate will design and fabricate doped, iron-based nanoparticles with precisely controlled physico-chemical properties to enhance biological uptake. The project also investigates whether physically removing nanoparticle–algae complexes can overcome rapid recycling, enable waste valorisation, and support a circular-economy approach to carbon management. Supervisors for this project include Professor Jamie Lead, Dr Craig Dedman-Jones, Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, and Professor Simon Ussher, all affiliated with the University of Plymouth. The research sits at the intersection of nanotechnology, marine science, climate solutions, and environmental chemistry, offering a unique opportunity for students passionate about sustainable innovation and blue carbon research. Funding is provided for tuition fees and a stipend, though specific financial details are not listed. Applicants should have a strong background in environmental science, chemistry, marine science, or related fields, with experience in nanotechnology, materials science, or algal biology considered advantageous. The application deadline is December 28, 2025. Interested candidates should visit the University of Plymouth website for the full advert and application instructions. Keywords: nanotechnology, marine science, climate mitigation, carbon removal, iron fertilization, algal growth, circular economy, environmental science, chemistry, blue carbon.

[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 CO 2 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.

[Fully-funded ARIES studentship for 3.5 years, including tuition fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26, 2026/27 rate TBC), and research costs.] This fully-funded PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth investigates the interactions between nanoplastics and marine phytoplankton under conditions of ocean warming, focusing on the multi-stressor effects of these pollutants. The project addresses the urgent environmental issue of increasing sea surface temperatures and the prevalence of nano-scale plastic particles in the ocean, which have significant implications for marine life and ecosystem function. The research will use marine phytoplankton as a model to study bioaccumulation of nanoplastics and their impact on oceanic carbon cycling in a future warmed ocean. The methodology involves synthesizing and characterizing palladium-doped plastic nanoparticles (Pd NPPs), conducting laboratory exposures on model phytoplankton species under various warming scenarios, and employing advanced techniques such as single cell- and single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS) to track biouptake. Proteomic analysis will be used to examine the mechanisms of nanoplastic toxicity towards phytoplankton. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in nanoparticle synthesis, mass spectrometry data analysis, algal culturing, physiological monitoring, and molecular biology. The project is supported by a supervisory team including Dr Craig Dedman-Jones (DoS), Professor Jamie Lead, Dr Adam Lewis, and Dr Andrew Turner, with additional support from CEFAS. The studentship is part of the ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership and includes access to the University of Plymouth Researcher Development Programme, offering a range of professional and transferable skills. Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class honours degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a relevant Masters qualification. Experience in materials characterisation, algal culturing, or mass spectrometry is advantageous. Non-native English speakers must meet the programme's language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component). The studentship covers tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26, 2026/27 rate TBC), and research costs for 3.5 years. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, and the project will commence on 1 October 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training webpage and may contact Dr Craig Dedman-Jones for informal discussions.