PhD Studentship: Future-proofing the Environment: Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of Next-generation Plastics

Overview

This PhD studentship focuses on evaluating the environmental impacts of next-generation biodegradable plastics compared to conventional plastics and paper-based alternatives. The research uses laboratory and field experiments in freshwater and transitional marine environments, specifically the River Yare and Breydon Water estuary, to measure effects on biodiversity, sediment oxygen demand, carbon cycling, and nutrient exchange. The successful candidate joins the Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation group at the University of East Anglia, located in the United Kingdom.

What you get

The position provides a fully-funded studentship subject to UKRI terms and conditions, featuring a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27, coverage of fees, and a research training and support grant. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants where the registering university waives the difference between home and international fees. The supervisory team and ARIES provide comprehensive training covering experimental design, laboratory and field skills, ecotoxicology, biogeochemical cycling, taxonomy, bioinformatics, statistical analysis, science communication, mixed effects modelling, and cohort training.

Requirements

Applicants should be enthusiastic about laboratory and fieldwork, ecology, toxicology, and ecosystem functioning. Eligible candidates must meet UKRI eligibility criteria to receive the fully-funded studentship. Funding does not cover relocation and living costs in the United Kingdom, such as visa fees or the health surcharge.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.