PhD: Microplastics Impact on Algae & Ocean Carbon Pump

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Birmingham invites applications for a PhD project examining how micro- and nanoplastics affect plankton and the biological carbon pump in UK coastal waters. The work integrates field surveys, lab experiments, and advanced analytical techniques.

You will quantify MNPs in water and plankton, study uptake in algae, trace trophic transfer to zooplankton, and contribute to ecological risk models and policy-relevant insights.

Qualifications

• UK 2:1 BSc or MSc or equivalent required.
• Interdisciplinary training in environmental nanoscience and ecology.
• Eligibility for CENTA/NERC funding and UK student status.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys of UK coastal waters.
• Perform lab experiments quantifying MNP types, sizes and concentrations.
• Investigate algae uptake and trophic transfer to zooplankton.
• Develop a predictive framework for carbon pump disruption.

Skills

Environmental nanoscience

Plankton ecology

Analytical chemistry

Ecological modelling

Education

2:1 UK Bachelor’s or MSc equivalent

Job description

University of Birmingham invites applications for a PhD project examining how micro- and nanoplastics affect plankton and the biological carbon pump in UK coastal waters. The work integrates field surveys, lab experiments, and advanced analytical techniques.

You will quantify MNPs in water and plankton, study uptake in algae, trace trophic transfer to zooplankton, and contribute to ecological risk models and policy-relevant insights.