PhD Studentship - Marine Sciences: Deep-Sea Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems - Ecology, Function and Management

University of Plymouth

Funding: The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes Home rate tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum 2025-26 rate (2026-27 rate TBC)

Second Supervisor: (External Lead): Professor Kerry Howell PML (also UoP)

Lead Supervisor: (DoS): Dr Angela Stevenson

Third Supervisor: Dr Bryce Stewart (also UoP)

Applications are invited for a 3.5 year PhD studentship with Marine Research Plymouth – a collaborative partnership between the University of Plymouth, the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Marine Biological Association. The studentship is due to start on 1st October 2026.

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:

1. build predictive spatial models for VME distribution and resilience under current and future climate scenarios;
2. define and quantify functional traits of VME taxa;
3. identify key functional groups, map functional diversity, and relate to ecosystem service delivery;
4. 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.

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.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Professor Kerry Howell.

Please click on the 'Apply' button above for further information and to apply.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 2nd February 2026.