This project is one of three topics available for the studentship. We anticipate supporting one position, which will be allocated to the best combination of candidate and project as they emerge from interviews across the pool of available topics.
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. Plymouth has been at the forefront of global marine research for more than a century, and today it is home to the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK. Come and join our vibrant community of marine PhD students.
Project description
Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), such as deep-sea coral gardens and sponge fields, are biodiversity hotspots that deliver critical ecosystem services through their complex structures. UN member states are required to take action to prevent significant adverse impacts from bottom fishing activities in areas where VMEs are known or likely to occur. Assessing where impacts are ‘significantly adverse’ relates to the resistance and resilience of an ecosystem. Functional diversity–the range of ecological roles species fulfil within a community–is central to ecosystem resilience but remains poorly understood in VMEs. Quantifying VME functional diversity can help assess vulnerability and guide their conservation. This project will advance our understanding of VME ecology and function and develop science-based advice in fisheries management to prevent significant adverse impacts.
This project will combine seafloor visual surveys, targeted sampling and AI-assisted image analyses to:
- build predictive spatial models for VME distribution and resilience under current and future climate scenarios;
- define and quantify functional traits of VME taxa;
- identify key functional groups, map functional diversity, and relate to ecosystem service delivery;
- assess the potential for significant adverse impacts now and in the future, given current fishing activities, and advise on climate smart management measures.
The candidate will gain skills in:
- deep-sea survey techniques using remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles;
- image annotation, including AI-based approaches;
- functional trait analysis, taxonomic identification of deep-sea benthos, biodiversity metrics, and spatial predictive modelling.
Professional development will include research cruises, collaboration with international scientific organisations and co-authorship of additional non-PhD publications. This training will prepare the candidate for a career in academia, environmental consultancy, conservation, or resource management.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. We seek a motivated candidate with strong analytical skills, and interest in biodiversity, functional ecology, image/video analysis, and conservation. Experience with programming, statistical analysis, or spatial modelling is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. A willingness to join multi-week ship-based fieldwork is welcomed but not required.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme: IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend at the 2026/27 URS rate (to be confirmed; compare the 2025/26 URS rate of £19,215 per annum). The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the home and the international tuition fee rates (£13,745 per annum at 2025/26 rate, Band 2 programme). There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights, etc.
How to Apply
To apply, please click the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:
- CV / résumé
- Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
- Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying).
- Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
- If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent).
Please also see
here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 2 February 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed as soon as possible after the deadline, with interviews likely to take place in the second half of February. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider that their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
(c) Schmidt Ocean Institute
Marine Research Plymouth Alliance