Director of Studies: Dr Alice Horton, Marine Biological Association
Second Supervisor:
Dr Manuela Truebano
Third Supervisor: Dr Trystan Sanders, Marine Biological Association
Fourth Supervisor:
Professor John Spicer
Second Supervisor:
Third Supervisor: Dr Trystan Sanders, Marine Biological Association
Fourth Supervisor:
Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01 October 2027.
Project description
Background
Microplastics are a widespread environmental contaminant readily ingested by marine invertebrates and negatively impacting feeding, growth, reproduction and survival. Alongside this backdrop of environmental pollution, marine invertebrates must also contend with the pressures of climate-induced ocean warming including marine heatwaves (MHWs). MHWs are periods of unusually high sea temperatures that persist for more than five days, and are increasing in frequency and severity. An organism’s capacity to recover from thermal stress will likely dictate its ability to cope with additional environmental pressures including microplastics. Equally, microplastic effects may be more severe in marine animals already dealing with the bioenergetic limitations associated with acute thermal stress. Despite this, the combined effects of these growing environmental pressures on marine invertebrates are not well understood. This project will investigate if and how microplastic exposure and MHWs interact to affect different marine invertebrates.
Methodology
Using laboratory-based experimental studies, this research will focus on invertebrate feeding and digestive physiology, linking these to growth bioenergetics and performance. The student will expose two ecologically and commercially important invertebrate species: edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) to different microplastic polymers in conjunction with simulated MHWs representative of the intertidal zone. Cutting-edge experimental approaches already operated by members of the supervisory team will be used to measure e.g. gut pH regulation, digestive assimilation efficiency and oxygen consumption. This will enable an understanding of how these biologically contrasting invertebrate species will cope with predicted future temperature and plastic contamination scenarios, and the implications this may have for ecosystem health.
Training
Working within the Microplastics and Marine Pollution group at the Marine Biological Association, in partnership with the University of Plymouth, the student will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborative national and international networks. The student will receive training in all necessary techniques including experimental design and implementation, ecotoxicology, in vivo physiology, data handling, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presenting.
Person specification
Experience in Marine Biology or Biological Sciences and a strong interest in organism responses to environmental change are essential. Experience working with aquatic organisms and/or within a laboratory environment would be advantageous.
References
Horton, A. A. (2026). Accounting for species traits and exposure complexity to understand organism responses to microplastics and multistressors. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 143529.
Horton, A. A., Newbold, L. K., Palacio-Cortés, A. M., Spurgeon, D. J., Pereira, M. G., Carter, H., Gweon, H. S., Vijver, M. G., van Bodegom, P. M., da Silva, M. A. N. & Lahive, E. (2020). Accumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and microbiome response in the great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis with exposure to nylon (polyamide) microplastics. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 188, 109882.
Garrard, S.L., Spicer, J.I., and Thompson, R.C. (2022) Tyre particle exposure affects the health of two key estuarine invertebrates. Environmental Pollution, 314, 120244.
Abbas, A. S., Collins, M., Ellis, R., Spicer, J. I., & Truebano, M. (2024). Heat hardening improves thermal tolerance in abalone, without the trade-offs associated with chronic heat exposure. Journal of Thermal Biology, 124, 103963.
Sanders, T.B., Derjean, H.E., Costello, J.L., Ellis, R.P. Wilson, R.W.; The effects of high seawater PCO2 on protein oxidative damage and ubiquitination in Penaeus vannamei. J. Exp. Biol. 15 August 2025; 228 (16): jeb249906.
Eligibility
Acceptable first degree subject(s): Biology, Marine biology.
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.
ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend £21,805 p.a. for 2026/27 (2027/28 TBC) and a research training and support grant (RTSG).
A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university.
Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
NB: The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
Working part-time while receiving a stipend at the University of Plymouth is generally permitted, provided it does not conflict with the terms of your funding or visa requirements.
- Full-time jobs cannot be held alongside a full-time stipend.
- International students are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Alice Horton.
Please view a list of
supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our
how to apply for a research degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College at research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is 16 December 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. 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 their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.