Director of Studies:
Dr Mick Hanley
Second Supervisor:
Dr George Littlejohn
Third Supervisor: Dr Mahasweta Saha
Fourth Supervisor:
Dr Robert Puschendorf
Second Supervisor:
Third Supervisor: Dr Mahasweta Saha
Fourth Supervisor:
Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01 October 2027.
Project description
Scientific background
We know climate change threatens biodiversity, but many of the ways in which it affects individual species are shrouded in the complexity of the interactions between them(1). Indeed, without understanding how consumers and pathogens moderate or amplify environmental stresses like increased temperature, we cannot hope to predict species vulnerability. The response of pathogens to climate change is well established on land(2), but their reaction to a rapidly changing marine environment is less clear. Seaweeds are critical to marine systems through the provision of ecosystem services like Carbon sequestration(3) but they too are subject to pathogens. Beyond a focus on colonisation of seaweed fronds by human pathogens(4), there has been limited study of seaweed-pathogen interactions in wild populations. At a time of profound environmental change to inter-tidal habitats, our aim is to use natural geographical gradients to determine how patterns of pathogen infection vary with climate, and laboratory experiments to explore more precisely the factors that influence the risk and virulence of pathogen attack on seaweed.
Research methodology
The studentship involves an exciting combination of field and laboratory work using ecologically important intertidal seaweeds to address three main objectives:
1 – Field survey the frequency and virulence of pathogen infection of seaweed using surface aspect (Equator- vs. Pole-facing) as a proxy for temperature variation(5).
2 – Assess pathogen infection over a latitudinal gradient to explore and model climate-driven range shifts in the pathogen-host interaction.
3 – Culture field-collected seaweed samples to examine pathogen virulence response to applied environmental stressors (extreme heat, salinity).
Training
As part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team you will develop expertise in contemporary imaging techniques, deployment of autonomous data loggers, seaweed culture, experimental design, data analysis, critical thinking. Specific training and development needs will be guided by supervisors, and you will be supported to lead manuscripts, present at international conferences, and engage with relevant end-user groups.
Person specification
We seek a passionate individual with a background in marine biology or related field. Experience with laboratory and field experiments and/or imaging techniques is advantageous but not essential. A keen interest in climate change biology and strong quantitative analysis skills are essential.
References
Parmesan C & Hanley ME (2015) Plants and climate change: complexities and surprises. Annals of Botany 115: 849-864.
Parmesan C & Hanley ME (2015) Plants and climate change: complexities and surprises. Annals of Botany 115: 849-864.
Parmesan C et al (2022) Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems and Their Services. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability [Pörtner H-O et al eds) Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 197–377.
Hanley ME, Firth LB, & Foggo A (2024) Victim of changes? Marine macroalgae in a changing world. Annals of Botany 133: 1-16.
Wilson S & Saha M (2025) Warmer oceans will increase abundance of human pathogens on seaweeds. Phycology 5: 38.
Amstutz A, Firth LB, Spicer JI, Hanley ME (2021) Facing up to climate change: community composition varies with aspect and surface temperature in the rocky intertidal. Marine Environmental Research 172: 105482.
Eligibility
Acceptable first degree subject(s): Degree in Biological Sciences, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences or related field.
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 Mick Hanley .
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 webpage or contact the Doctoral College at research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
The closing date for applications on 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.