Wave-induced transport and maritime pollution

Applications are invited for three 3.5 year PhD studentships with the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. The studentships are due to start on 1 October 2025.
Microplastics inside a test tube

Apply

To apply please use the online application form. Simply click on the ‘online application’ link below for PhD Mathematics and Statistics
Online application
Within the research section of the application form, in the following fields, please add:
  • Proposed project title/studentship title: SERVO 25-10 Stuhlmeier
  • Proposed supervisor: Dr Raphael Stuhlmeier
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.
Lead Supervisor (DoS): Dr Raphael Stuhlmeier
Second Supervisor: Professor Henrik Kalisch
Third Supervisor: Professor Alison Raby
Applications are invited for three 3.5 year PhD studentships with the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. The studentships are due to start on 1 October 2025.
This project is one of nine topics being considered for an anticipated three studentships. Six topics are inviting candidates from open recruitment, with the remaining three following a different route to interview. The studentships will be allocated to the best combinations of candidate and project as they emerge from the interviews across all topics. Browse all available topics
Plymouth has been at the forefront of global marine research for more than a century, and today it is home to the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK. Come and join our vibrant community of marine PhD students.

Project description

This project will advance our understanding of wave-driven particle transport in the ocean by combining mathematical modelling, flume experiments, and numerical simulation. It will provide valuable insight into the underlying equations that describe particle movement on and under waves, contributing to our understanding of the dispersion of ocean pollutants such as microplastics and harmful bacteria. These findings will be critical for improving particle-tracking and other predictive models and informing future efforts to mitigate ocean pollution.
The first part of the project will explore the mathematical foundations of particle motion beneath waves. While approximations to the so-called Stokes drift exist for waves of small steepness, there is a need for new theory that encompasses more realistic sea states. This includes the study of hitherto neglected effects, such as surface tension, which play an important role for the motion of microplastics. The mathematical formulations developed will be tested in flume experiments in Plymouth’s COAST Lab. This will allow for verification of the theory and the incorporation of novel physical mechanisms. Subsequently, the developed formulations will be incorporated into open-source particle tracking codes (such as PyLag or OpenDrift), where they will be compared with existing benchmarks. Depending on the background of the successful candidate, there may be scope to employ the open source PySINDy code to identify novel governing equations for floating tracers using novel machine learning techniques.
The candidate will gain broad expertise across a wide range of fluid mechanics research, from fundamental mathematical modelling, through flume experiments and numerical simulations. These complementary approaches shed light on different aspects of wave-induced particle transport, provide a holistic view of the subject, and open up numerous career paths in academic and industry.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related subject (MSc or equivalent preferred), and a passion for mathematical, numerical and/or experimental fluid mechanics modelling.
Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or above (with no less than 5.5 in any element) or equivalent.
The studentships are supported for 3.5 years and include full home or international tuition fees plus a stipend at the 2025/26 rate (to be confirmed; compare the 2024/25 UKRI rate of £19,237 per annum). The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period. The studentships will only fully fund applicants with relevant qualifications.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Raphael Stuhlmeier .
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 3 February 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed as soon as possible after the deadline, with interviews likely to take place in the second half of March. 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 that their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.