ACCE+ DLA programme: Ecological and evolutionary consequences of nanoplastic pollution in the water flea, Daphnia magna Wednesday, January 08, 2025 Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) About the Project Background Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent global environmental challenges, with 60% of all plastic ever produced ending up in the environment. Over time, this waste breaks down into microplastics (particles smaller than 5mm) and nanoplastics (1-1000nm), which pose significant risks to both ecosystems and human health when ingested. Nanoplastics are particularly concerning because their size enables them to penetrate tissues that microplastics cannot, even crossing cell membranes. While advances in nanomedicine have revealed that nanoparticle properties (size, shape, charge, and polymer type) significantly impact their biological effects, the specific dangers posed by nanoplastics remain unclear. To date, most studies have used laboratory-based 'model' polystyrene nanoparticles, which may not accurately reflect real-world nanoplastic pollution. Objectives This exciting PhD project invites you to explore the cutting-edge field of nanoplastic pollution. Your key aim will be to synthesize and characterize nanoplastic particles derived from common everyday plastics. These particles will then be used to test how their properties influence toxicity, bioaccumulation, and transmission across generations in living organisms. Using Daphnia magna a model aquatic species you will investigate how various biological and environmental factors modify nanoplastic behaviour and toxicity. In the final phase, you will take your research from the lab to the field, utilizing our state-of-the-art mesocosm facility to study the long-term ecological and evolutionary effects of nanoplastic exposure in whole, replicated ecosystems. Throughout the project, you'll receive support from our CASE partner, Steve Morris from Defra's Water Quality Evidence & Policy team, and Dr Tom McDonald from the Henry Royce institute ensuring that your research stays aligned with policy needs and industry applications. Research Environment, Skills, and Training You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment that promotes collaboration between environmental science, ecotoxicology, evolutionary biology, analytical chemistry and nanotechnology. You'll develop a range of sought-after skills, including nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, toxicological assays, experimental design, statistics, microscopy, image analysis and fieldwork. Moreover, you'll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, such as our mesocosms, providing invaluable insight into ecosystem-level research. There will be opportunities to work with industry and policy experts, enhancing your understanding of the real-world implications of your research. Regular team meetings, seminars, and collaborative partnerships will enhance your professional development. You will also present your work at international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications. Novelty and Timeliness With nanoplastic pollution emerging as a critical threat to biodiversity and human health, this project offers a unique opportunity to address knowledge gaps in the field. By synthesizing realistic nanoplastic particles and studying their effects in ecologically relevant species, your work will generate novel data with significant implications for water quality management, conservation strategies, and industrial policies. This research is not only timely but critical in shaping future environmental policies and safeguarding ecosystem health. Applicant suitability We are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment that values diversity and promotes equity. We therefore encourage applications from all backgrounds. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a strong background in biology, environmental science or a related field. Experience in working with micro/nanoplastics and Daphnia is desirable, but not essential as full training will be provided. Most importantly, we seek candidates who are curious, creative, and passionate about the plastic pollution problem. How to Apply Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. All applicants to ACCE+ must complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of two referees. Part-Time Study Options All ACCE+ PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme. Project CASE Status This project is a CASE project. Your project will be co-supervised by the non-academic partner organisation, and you will spend 3-6 months on a placement with your CASE partner in their workplace. You will experience training, facilities and expertise not available in an academic setting, and will build business and research collaborations. Candidate webinar The project primary supervisor will hold a candidate Zoom webinar on December 13th @10am to discuss the project with interested candidates. Please register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIagzsj7ga_1HBjJaJmytEg9yJT176dxpHolzbbM-JVb-kiA/viewformif you would like to join! Funding Notes NERC ACCE+ DLA programme starts from October 2025. UKRI provide the following funding for 3.5 years: - Stipend (2024/25 UKRI rate 19,237) - Tuition Fees at UK fee rate (2024/25 rate 4,786) - Research support and training grant (RTSG) Note - UKRI funding only covers UK (Home) fees. The DLA partners have various schemes which allow international students to join the DLA but only be required to pay home fees. Home fees are already covered in the UKRI funding, meaning that successful international candidates do not need to find any additional funding for fees. Stewart Plaistow Senior Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences The University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB Office phone: 0151 795 4556 Email: s.plaistow@liv.ac.uk Homepage: http://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/~stewp123/index.html Bluesky:@stewplaistow.bsky.social Twitter: @StewPlaistow ------ ACCE+ DLA programme: Adapting to Change: Integrating Climate Projections and Genomic Tools to Future-Proof Fisheries Management Closing date: Wednesday, January 08, 2025 Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) About the Project Excited about transforming how food resources are managed under rapidly shifting climate change? Are you eager to learn cutting-edge techniques to make a real-world change to food sustainability and conservation? Apply for this PhD to innovate novel tools for predicting fish population responses to climate change and tackle urgent challenges in marine conservation and fisheries. Climate change is reshaping our oceans, affecting fish distribution crucial for global food security. This project aims to improve upon traditional models by incorporating fish populations' adaptive potential, using advanced omics and data science techniques with climate projections to better understand UK commercial fish stocks' responses to environmental change. As a PhD candidate, you will work at the intersection of genomics, climate science, data science, conservation, and fisheries management. Collaborating with the governmental arm of marine and freshwater science, CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), your research will directly contribute to developing innovative tools for sustainable marine resource management. This project aims to transform UK fisheries management by projecting climate change impacts on fish populations with an assessment of adaptive potential by: 1. Discovering climate-adaptive genes/loci in commercial UK fish species using population genetics. 2. Mapping future ocean conditions using climate models. 3. Developing genomic offset models to predict fish population adaptability. 4. Validating projections and determining fish adaptations using statistical mapping of multi-omics and life history data. 5. Developing user-friendly tools for fisheries managers and policymakers to interpret 'winners and losers' of climate change. Training and Research Environment You will join a dynamic and supportive team of experts in genomics, evolutionary biology, climate science, and fisheries management. This project offers training in cutting-edge omics, bioinformatics, and data science, with access to advanced sequencing data and computing resources to develop tools with real-world applications in conservation biology. Regular team meetings, seminars, and collaborative partnerships will enhance your professional development. You will also present your work at international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications. We are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment that values diversity and promotes equity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. The student will work with an experienced team at University of Liverpool, with ~3 months at CEFAS, Lowestoft/Norwich: - Dr Tarang Mehta: Lecturer supervising research focused on characterising the genetic underpinnings of complex traits. - Dr Stewart Plaistow: Senior lecturer in Evolutionary biology guiding research focused on causes and consequences of rapid adaptation in natural populations. - Dr Louise Rutterford: Senior Climate Change Scientist at CEFAS undertaking research modelling the projected impacts of climate change on marine species. - Dr David Murray: Senior Fisheries scientist managing a Fisheries Genomics team at CEFAS and member of genomic Working Groups at the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES). - Dr Adam Ciezarek: Fisheries scientist at CEFAS utilising bioinformatics and genomics to understand population structure and diversity in commercial marine fish. Applicant suitability We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a strong background in biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. Experience in programming (e.g., R, Python) and data analysis is desirable. Most importantly, we seek candidates who are curious, creative, and passionate about conservation genomics. This project offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on fisheries management and marine conservation. Your work will contribute to climate-resilient strategies for managing UK fish stocks and beyond. How to Apply Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. All applicants to ACCE+ must complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of two referees. Part-Time Study Options All ACCE+ PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme. Project CASE Status This project is a CASE project. Your project will be co-supervised by the non-academic partner organisation, and you will spend 3-6 months on a placement with your CASE partner in their workplace. You will experience training, facilities and expertise not available in an academic setting, and will build business and research collaborations. Candidate information If you would like to view the recent candidate webinar for this project, please register to do so here (https://%3a%2f%2fforms.gle%2fFcjZzRbBir8WVeM18) and we will be able to forward the relevant details to you. For this project's Frequently Asked Questions, please go here (https://%3a%2f%2fdocs.google.com%2fdocument%2fd%2f1rTwW7NnU08XqNxG5crxsdZFvVmSnuc_g%2fedit%3fusp%3ddrive_link%26ouid%3d116683460999846651953%26rtpof%3dtrue%26sd%3dtrue) Funding Notes NERC ACCE+ DLA programme starts from October 2025. UKRI provide the following funding for 3.5 years: - Stipend (2024/25 UKRI rate 19,237) - Tuition Fees at UK fee rate (2024/25 rate 4,786) - Research support and training grant (RTSG) Note - UKRI funding only covers UK (Home) fees. The DLA partners have various schemes which allow international students to join the DLA but only be required to pay home fees. Home fees are already covered in the UKRI funding, meaning that successful international candidates do not need to find any additional funding for fees. Stewart Plaistow Senior Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences The University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB Office phone: 0151 795 4556 Email: s.plaistow@liv.ac.uk Bluesky:@stewplaistow.bsky.social Twitter: @StewPlaistow "Plaistow, Stewart" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)