University of Plymouth
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PhD Studentship: Developing and Applying Camera Monitoring Tools for Inshore Fish Assemblages University of Plymouth in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 29, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Plymouth
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About this position
Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth in collaboration with Natural England. This project focuses on developing and applying underwater camera monitoring tools to study inshore fish assemblages, with a particular emphasis on habitat use in shallow coastal areas and juvenile fish habitats.
The research will take place in and around Plymouth Sound, including selected habitat mosaics within the National Marine Park and protected areas. Building on camera technology developed through the FinVision project, the successful candidate will deploy a network of video cameras to investigate fine-scale habitat use over extended periods and assess how environmental drivers influence fish assemblage patterns. The project also uses the camera network as a testbed for developing AI-based automated video processing workflows, addressing a major bottleneck in scaling up video-based marine monitoring.
This is a highly interdisciplinary PhD that combines fisheries ecology, conservation ecology, marine monitoring, and emerging digital approaches such as computer vision and AI. The student will gain training in coastal fish sampling, scientific diving, digital technologies, and applied ecological research, with a clear route to translating research into policy and management practice through the partnership with Natural England.
The studentship starts on 1 January 2027 and is supported for four years. Funding includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,830 per year (2026/27 rate). The award fully funds applicants eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants who normally pay International fees will need to cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees, and there is no additional support for IHS, visa costs, or flights.
Eligibility requirements include a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. International applicants must also meet the English language requirement of IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component, or an accepted equivalent.
The deadline for applications is 29 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be interviewed in the week commencing 9 November 2026. Interested applicants should apply through the University of Plymouth advert page and may contact the lead supervisor Ben Ciotti for informal discussion.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. If English is not your first language, you must meet the minimum English language requirement for the programme: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. The studentship fully funds only applicants eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications; applicants normally liable for International fees must pay the difference between Home and International tuition fees.
How to apply
Apply via the Apply button on the University of Plymouth advert page. Submit your application before 29 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the week commencing 9 November 2026.
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