PhD Studentship in Machine Learning: The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD studentship focused on plankton biodiversity and ecosystem change, leveraging machine learning techniques. This collaborative project, part of Marine Research Plymouth, aims to enhance biodiversity assessments and inform conservation policies by harnessing advanced imaging technologies and machine learning.
PhD Studentship in Understanding Plankton Biodiversity and Ecosystem Change by Applying Machine Learning
Designation:
PhD Studentship (CASE Studentship)
Research Area:
Marine Biology, Ecology, Machine Learning, Biodiversity Assessment
Location:
University of Plymouth, Devon, Plymouth, UK
Eligibility/Qualification:
- A first or upper second class honours degree or a Master’s qualification in ecology, marine biology, data science, environmental sciences, or related fields.
- Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds and strong quantitative skills are particularly encouraged to apply.
Job Description:
The selected candidate will engage in:
- Collecting plankton images with a benchtop flow-through imaging sensor.
- Integrating new imaging data with existing datasets.
- Conducting fieldwork at sea in collaboration with Cefas and visiting the University of British Columbia.
- Developing and applying machine learning image classifiers to quantify essential ecological traits.
- Actively contributing to biodiversity assessments under UK Marine Strategy and OSPAR frameworks.
- Receiving professional development support through UoP’s Plankton and Policy Research Unit.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should click on the “Apply” button available on the university’s scholarship webpage to obtain further information and submit their applications.
Last Date to Apply:
12 noon on Monday, 2nd February 2026.
