Funding

Competition funded (UK/EU and international students)

Project code

ELS50840626

Start dates

June 2026

Application deadline

14 June 2026

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three year PhD to commence in June 2026.  

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Science and Health, and will be supervised by Prof Gordon Watson, Dr Paul Stebbing (APEM Ltd) and Dr Daniel Franklin (Bournemouth University).

Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by this bursary. For further guidance and advice visit our international and EU students ‘Visa FAQs’ page.

The work on this project could involve: 

  • Invasive species
  • Coastal habitats
  • Conservation

Project details

Coastal eutrophication results in the excessive growth of algal mats resulting in impacts on mudflats, saltmarsh and seagrass meadows and linked to significant economic and human health issues. This PhD studentship (funded by South West Water) will be the first to develop and test innovative methods to reduce the coverage of mat-forming native and non-native species in Christchurch Harbour, Dorset (UK). Objectives include assessing the efficacy of the selected removal methods and subsequent impacts on species and habitats including wading birds. In addition, the student will undertake ecological assessments of the mat-forming species and how the ecological context may impact conservation objectives. The student will be supervised by Prof Gordon Watson (PI), Dr Daniel Franklin (Bournemouth University) and Dr Paul Stebbing (APEM Ltd) and supported by the South West Water team. The student will also liaise with local stakeholders, councils and government agencies. A diverse set of skills will be acquired including ecological monitoring, macrofaunal sampling/identification, habitat analysis, Earth Observation methods and GIS mapping.   

The studentship is based at the Institute of Marine Sciences. IMS is an internationally renowned marine centre providing research and teaching, supporting over 200 staff, undergraduates and postgraduates, but with strong interdisciplinary links across the University, including the University of Portsmouth Institute of Earth and Environment.   

Portsmouth is a dynamic and innovative place to work and study and the University is committed to delivering an excellent student experience in conjunction with world-class research.   

Informal enquiries should first be made to Prof. Watson on 023 92845798, or by email at gordon.watson@port.ac.uk.  Please also see his research page for further details of his group’s focus. 

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. 

  • Research experience in marine science 
  • Research experience of field and laboratory experiments 
  • Research experience of collecting and analysing quantitative data 
  • Previous experience of successfully managing a research project through to completion 
  • Data handling and analysis using statistical packages e.g. R programming language.  
  • Ability to solve problems when they occur 
  • Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workloads 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Excellent report writing skills 
  • A driving licence valid in the UK  
  • Willingness to work flexible hours  

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Prof Watson (gordon.watson@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code. 
 
When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.  
 

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code ELS50840626 when applying. Please note that email applications are not accepted.