Job title
PhD Studentship: Developing and Evaluating Design Criteria to End Microplastic Pollution (End-Microplastic).
Company
University of Plymouth – Marine Institute, International Marine Litter Research Unit.
Description of the job
Applications are invited for a 3.5 year PhD studentship with the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth, due to start on 1 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.
Textile fibres and tyre wear particles are among the most ubiquitous types of microplastic contaminating habitats from the poles to the equator and from the deepest oceans to the top of Mt Everest. Toxicological effects have been shown for both types of microplastic. This studentship will identify approaches to reduce emissions and make emissions safer, guiding the way towards safer and more sustainable production of plastic products in general.
This research is novel, timely, and highly impactful. It aligns directly with implementation of the UN global treaty to end plastic pollution and regional measures (e.g. Euro-7 regulations 2028-32). The goal is to reduce microplastic pollution from textiles and tyres by developing and evaluating comprehensive frameworks and criteria to drive safer and more sustainable design.
Research activities:
- Desk-based research including systematic reviews of microplastic shedding, circularity (sustainability), and chemical composition (safety).
- Create a synthesis and database of life cycle characteristics (materials, shedding behaviour, toxicity, and end-of-life management) for contrasting design options.
- Conduct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circular economy assessment encompassing the entire value chain.
- Develop frameworks to evaluate the essentiality, safety and sustainability of contrasting product formulations for textiles and tyres.
- Assess findings for broader applicability to other sectors such as plastics in agriculture and packaging.
Training provided:
- Systematic review techniques.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
- Chemical hazard analysis.
- Circular economy frameworks.
- Science-to-policy translation.
Supervisory team:
- Lead Supervisor: Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS (University of Plymouth).
- Second Supervisor: Professor Kristian Syberg.
- Third Supervisor: Professor Morten Birkved.
- Fourth Supervisor: Professor Kate Goldsworthy.
Funding:
- 3.5 years funding including full Home or International tuition fees.
- Stipend at the 2026/27 UKRI rate (compare 2025/26 rate of £20,780 per annum).
- The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded 'writing-up' period.
- No additional funding available for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, or flights.
Requirements
- Highly motivated individual capable of working across disciplines.
- Strong first degree in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, life cycle assessment, product design, ecotoxicology, material science).
- A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or experience in textile or transportation sectors would be advantageous.
- If English is not your first language: IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component) or equivalent.
Location
Plymouth, United Kingdom.
Salary
Stipend at UKRI rate (£20,780 per annum in 2025/26, 2026/27 rate to be confirmed).
How to apply
Apply online for PhD Marine Sciences. In the application form, add:
- Proposed project title/studentship title: SERVO 26-10 Thompson.
- Proposed supervisor: Professor Richard Thompson.
Required documents:
- CV / résumé.
- Personal Statement outlining academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project.
- Degree certificates and transcripts (interim transcript if still studying).
- Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
- Proof of English Language Competency if applicable.
A research proposal is not needed – please upload a blank document when requested.
For informal enquiries, contact Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS.
Deadline
02/02/2026.
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