Simon Ussher

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 University of Plymouth is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in Marine Science, focusing on environmental monitoring and the development of next-generation sensors for coastal marine environments. The project aims to design innovative screen-printed ion-selective electrodes to monitor calcium and magnesium dynamics in real time, providing critical insights into how environmental changes affect marine calcifying organisms. The research is supervised by Dr Uwe Balthasar, Professor Simon Ussher, and Dr Simon Whelan, and is based within the Sensor Technologies Research Group at the University of Plymouth. This interdisciplinary PhD project will provide training in chemical sensor fabrication, electrochemical analysis, and coastal fieldwork in Plymouth Sound. The research aligns with the university’s strengths in marine science, geochemistry, and environmental monitoring, and will involve collaboration with world-class researchers. Key research areas include marine geochemistry, environmental monitoring, and the development of real-time monitoring technologies for seawater chemistry. Applicants should have a first or upper second class degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field. Preferred candidates will have a relevant Master’s degree, experience in programming, strong laboratory and analytical skills, and an interest in chemical sensing and marine environmental applications. For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) is required. The studentship is fully funded, offering a stipend of £20,780 per year (2025–26 rate, following UKRI rates thereafter) and covering tuition fees. The anticipated start date is October 2026. The application deadline is 7 January 2026. Applicants should submit their application through the University of Plymouth online portal, ensuring all required documents are included. Informal enquiries to the supervisory team are welcome. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth website.

[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 of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 rate; 2026/27 rate TBC), and research costs.] This fully-funded PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to develop next-generation sensors for tracking calcium and magnesium in marine ecosystems. The project addresses critical gaps in our understanding of how Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentrations fluctuate in coastal waters, which is essential for predicting the impacts of ocean warming and acidification on marine calcifying organisms. Recent global surveys have revealed significant variability in these ions due to factors such as river runoff, coastal upwelling, and biological activity, but existing data are limited to isolated measurements. The successful candidate will join the Sensor Technologies Research Group (STRG) to design, fabricate, and validate innovative screen-printed ion-specific electrodes for continuous, real-time monitoring of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in coastal seawater. Laboratory validation will be followed by field testing in Plymouth Sound, capturing ionic fluctuations over multiple tidal cycles. Comprehensive training will be provided in screen-printing techniques for conductive materials, chemical functionalization for sensor conversion, and electrochemical data analysis. Additional instruction will cover electrode characterization using scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques, as well as specialized training in Mg/Ca data interpretation and environmental applications. The ideal applicant will have strong laboratory and analytical skills, a passion for applying chemical knowledge to environmental challenges, and preferably some programming experience. Eligibility requires a first or upper second class honours degree in Earth, Environmental, Biological Science, Chemistry, or a relevant Masters qualification. Non-native English speakers must meet the university's language requirements (IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component). The studentship is funded for 3.5 years, including tuition fees, a maintenance stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 rate; 2026/27 rate TBC), and research costs. The project will start on 1 October 2026. Applications must be submitted by 7 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. For informal inquiries, contact Dr Uwe Balthasar at [email protected]. For application details and supporting document requirements, visit the University of Plymouth's research studentship webpage.