Investigating Biofilm-Coated Micro- and Nanoplastics as Drivers of Liver Inflammation and Damage

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Apply

To apply please use the online application form. Simply select the online application link below for PhD Medical Studies
Online application
Within the research section of the application form, in the following fields, please add:
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add 25-10 PMS-S2-P1 Chokshi
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

Application guidance

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on  applying for a postgraduate research degree .
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Investigating Biofilm-Coated Micro- and Nanoplastics as Drivers of Liver Inflammation and Damage
Director of Studies (DoS): Professor Shilpa Chokshi FRSB
2nd Supervisor: Professor Mathew Upton
3rd Supervisor: Dr Paula Boeira
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Project description

With global plastic production exceeding 400 million metric tonnes annually, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive in the environment and are found in the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat. Notably, humans are thought to ingest up to 5 grams per week. Interaction of ingested MNPs with the gut microbiome promotes development of microbial biofilms on MNP surfaces, known as the “Plastibiome.” With recent studies suggesting that biofilm-coated MNPs may selectively harbour pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microbes. This fully funded PhD project will investigate the relationship between MNPs, the “Plastibiome” and inflammation. Specifically the project aims to characterise the microbial species that thrive on MNPs and explore how biofilm-coated MNPs contribute to inflammation and tissue damage in liver disease. The focus will be on cirrhosis which ranks as the 11th leading cause of death globally, with bacterial infections and systemic inflammation accounting for 30–50% of mortality.

Research approach

Using advanced methodologies, this project will:
  • generate MNPs from real-world plastics to replicate realistic environmental conditions
  • expose MNPs to microbial communities to cultivate biofilm-coated MNPs (Bio-MNPs)
  • profile microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes on Bio-MNPs using metagenomic sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing
  • assess the inflammatory properties of Bio-MNPs using patient samples and established disease models, including precision-cut liver slices, and immunological assays.
This fully funded PhD project offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of plastic pollution and human health. Findings from this research may contribute to novel therapeutic approaches for liver disease and inform environmental policies to mitigate the health risks of biofilm-laden MNPs.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as microbiology, biomedical sciences, immunology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. A masters degree (MSc or MRes) in a relevant subject is desirable but not essential.
Essential criteria:
  • background in microbiology, molecular biology, hepatology, or immunology
  • experience with laboratory-based research (e.g., microbiological culturing, molecular techniques, bioinformatics, bioreactors or cell culture)
  • ability to work independently and as part of a research team
  • strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable criteria:
  • experience in metagenomics, sequencing technologies (16S rRNA or whole-genome sequencing), bioinformatics, or immunological assays
  • knowledge of microbial biofilms, host-microbe interactions, or inflammation models
  • familiarity with liver disease or gut microbiome research.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum 2024/25 rate (2025/26 rates TBC). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the home and the international tuition fee rates.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Professor Shilpa Chokshi .
Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College .
The closing date for applications is 12 midnight (UK time) on 19 May 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.