University of Essex School of Life Sciences
Ms Elaine Fileman, Dr E O'Gorman, Dr Pennie Lindeque, Prof Geraint Tarling, Dr Cecilia Liszka
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Colchester
United Kingdom
Biodiversity
Ecology
Machine Learning
Marine Biology
Marine Sciences
Biological Sciences
Environmental Sciences
About the Project
Applications close on December 16th 2026 at 23:59pm GMT
Scientific Background
Marine plankton communities are sensitive indicators of environmental change and play a vital role in ocean food webs, fisheries productivity and carbon cycling. Understanding how these communities are structured, and the factors that influence their organisation, is essential for predicting future ecosystem change and the efficiency of the biological carbon pump. As imaging technologies become increasingly accessible alongside traditional net sampling, new opportunities are emerging to study plankton community structure using size-based approaches that provide insights into trophic dynamics, food web interactions and carbon export processes.
This project will use size-based imaging technologies of marine plankton communities to improve understanding of ecosystem function, inform ecosystem-based management, and support global efforts to monitor ocean health and climate change impacts.
Research Methodology
You will combine traditional net-derived plankton data with image-based observations from ship surveys and oceanic moorings to investigate seasonal and interannual changes in plankton community structure in the Scotia Sea (Southern Ocean) and Western English Channel. You will explore how environmental drivers such as temperature, nutrient availability, sea ice, and mixed layer depth influence community size spectra, vertical particle flux and carbon export. This will be supported by sediment trap data and elemental analysis. A key aim is to assess how effectively imaging techniques complement traditional net sampling for characterising plankton communities.
Training
You will gain skills in plankton taxonomy, image processing, ecological statistics, safe laboratory practices, oceanographic data handling, and field ecology. Laboratory work will include sample processing, microscopy, and benchtop imaging. Depending on your interests, the project could also explore linking plankton size patterns to krill dynamics, carbon export or nutritional quality, or developing tools for rapid ecosystem monitoring using machine-learning approaches. Participation in UK-based fieldwork will be available, offering training in quantitative plankton sampling and seagoing skills. Participation in Antarctic fieldwork may be a possibility but cannot be guaranteed.
Person Specification
We seek an inquisitive and motivated candidate with a background in marine science, biological oceanography, environmental science, data science, computer science or related discipline. Strong analytical, numerical and practical skills are essential. Experience in coding or applying quantitative methods in a biological or ecological discipline is desirable, but full training will be provided.
Acceptable first degree subject(s): Marine Science/ Environmental Science/ Natural Sciences or equivalent
How to apply
To apply, email a covering letter and CV to [contact details available in the full listing]
Additionally, you will need to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion monitoring form, which you will receive after you have submitted your CV and Cover Letter.
Please do not submit an enquiry form. This will not count as an application.
For more information, please see: https://aries-dtp.ac.uk/studentships/ferguson/
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.
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
Funding Notes
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) 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.
References
- Atkinson, A, Rossberg, AG, Gaedke, U, Sprules, G, Heneghan, RF, Batziakas, S, Grigoratou, M, Fileman, ES Schmidt, K, & Frangoulis, C. (2024) Steeper size spectra with decreasing phytoplankton biomass indicate strong trophic amplification and future fish declines. Nature Communications,15 (1) 381
- Liszka, C.M. et al (2022) Plankton and nekton community structure in the vicinity of the South Sandwich Islands (Southern Ocean) and the influence of environmental factors https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr[contact details available in the full listing]
- Kerr, T., Clark, J. R., Fileman, E., et al (2020) Collaborative deep learning models to handle class imbalance in flowcam plankton imagery doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.[contact details available in the full listing]
- O'Gorman, E. et al (2017) Unexpected changes in community size structure in a natural warming experiment. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate3368
- Tarling, G.A., et al (2012) Seasonal trophic structure of the Scotia Sea pelagic ecosystem considered through biomass spectra and stable isotope analysis doi:10.1016/j.dsr[contact details available in the full listing]
