Nanoplastic-phytoplankton interactions under ocean warming and their multi-stressor effects

Director of Studies:  Dr Craig Dedman-Jones  

2nd Supervisor: Professor Jamie Lead  

3rd Supervisor: Dr Adam Lewis, CEFAS 

4th Supervisor: Dr Andrew Turner, CEFAS

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026

Scientific background
Our seas have absorbed ~90% of the heat accumulated on Earth in the past 50 years. Consequently, sea surface temperatures and the frequency of marine heatwaves are increasing rapidly. Meanwhile, millions of tons of plastics enter the marine environment every year. Continual fragmentation has led to the occurrence of nano-scale plastic particles (nanoplastics; 1-1000 nm) which represent the majority of plastic in the ocean. The impact of nanoplastics on marine life and ecosystem function requires attention to understand the risk of these abundant pollutants in the context of other co-occurring environmental stressors. The influence of ocean warming on the biouptake of nanoplastics will be explored under simulated natural conditions in the laboratory. Marine phytoplankton, which act as the base of the marine food web and contribute to major global biogeochemical cycles, will be used as a model to understand bioaccumulation of nanoplastics and any impact of exposure on oceanic carbon cycling in the future warmed ocean.

Research methodology
Palladium (Pd)-doped plastic nanoparticles (Pd NPPs) will be synthesised and characterized using a multi-method approach. Laboratory exposures with Pd NPPs will be conducted on model marine phytoplankton species under various ocean warming scenarios. Single cell- and single particle- inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS) will be used to track biouptake as affected by temperature. Proteomic analysis will be used examine mechanisms of NPP toxicity towards phytoplankton. 

The PGR will receive training in nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation. Experience will be gained in collecting and analysing mass spectrometry data using state-of-the-art approaches. Training will be provided in algal culturing and physiological monitoring, as well as in molecular biology. Through the ARIES DTP and access to the University of Plymouth Researcher Development Programme, the PGR will acquire a range of professional and transferable skills. The PGR will meet with the supervisory team regularly throughout the project to receive guidance and support.

We seek an enthusiastic and motivated individual with interests in nanotechnology and/or marine biology. Prior experience in materials characterisation or algal culturing techniques would be beneficial. Experience in mass spectrometry would be desirable.

Bair E.C., Lead, J. R et al. (2024) Quantification of palladium-labelled nanoplastics algal uptake by single cell and single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Environmental Chemistry 21, EN24011. doi:10.1071/EN24011

Dedman C.J. et al. (2022) Cell size matters: Nano- and micro-plastics preferentially drive declines of large marine phytoplankton due to co-aggregation, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 424, Part B,
doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127488.

Ponton, D., Lead, J.R. et al (2019). Three layered silver nanoparticles to trace dissolution and accumulation by a green alga. Nanotoxicology, 13, 1149-1160

Dedman C.J. et al. (2021) Environmentally relevant concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles pose negligible risk to marine microbes, Environmental Science: Nano, 8, 1236-1255.
doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00883D

Dedman C.J. et al. (2023) The cellular response to ocean warming in Emiliania huxleyi, Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1177349

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.  

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded ARIES studentship of fees, maintenance stipend, £20,780 p.a. for 2025/26 (2026/27 rate TBC) and research costs. 

A limited number of ARIES studentships are available to International applicants. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK.

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. 

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential. 

For further information, please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact  Dr Craig Dedman-Jones .

Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application. 

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College .

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.