NDC Industry Funded PhD: Ecology Of Subsea Infrastructure

Details

An exciting opportunity is available for a student to join leading researchers at the UK National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), University of Aberdeen, to advance scientific understanding of pipeline corrosion and the dispersal of corrosion particles in marine environments to inform environmental management, policy, and industry best practice.

The studentship is jointly supported by industry and the NDC.

This standalone project is linked with several ongoing research projects at the NDC and forms part of a wider recruitment campaign for four joint industry‑funded PhD studentships.

Project Description

This 3.5-year PhD project at the University of Aberdeen National Decommissioning Centre will investigate the ecological role of subsea infrastructure and its implications for marine management and decommissioning. The research will examine how structures such as pipelines and platforms influence biodiversity, habitat connectivity, ecosystem functioning, and invasive species dynamics under different decommissioning scenarios (full removal, partial removal, or leave-in-place). Using existing biodiversity and environmental datasets alongside possible techniques such as: GIS/spatial analysis, oceanographic data, and ecological modelling approaches, the project may study aspects such as habitat suitability, species dispersal, and ecological connectivity across local and regional scales. The research may also explore future climate change scenarios and compare patterns across different marine regions and infrastructure types.

Research Objectives

The successful candidate will:

• Quantify the effects of subsea infrastructure on marine biodiversity and habitat structure.
• Assess the potential for subsea infrastructure to function as artificial reefs or pathways for invasive species dispersal.
• Evaluate ecological changes associated with infrastructure installation, operation, and decommissioning.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for sustainable design, monitoring, and decommissioning practices.

Approaches and training opportunities

The project may involve:

• GIS-based habitat mapping and spatial analysis – training in GIS software and techniques
• Integration of biodiversity, habitat, and oceanographic datasets – data collection and management, incorporation of data for modelling preparation and scenario development
• Environmental modelling – techniques such as species distribution and connectivity modelling (e.g., MaxEnt)
• There may be opportunities for fieldwork, but this is not a guarantee at this stage – training for fieldwork methodology and ethics will be provided where applicable.
• Opportunity for student to participate in the University’s research methods training
• Opportunity for the student to collaborate with other research projects in this area (e.g. ValMAS, INSITE).

Expected Outputs

Outputs are expected to include a PhD thesis, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and recommendations to inform sustainable marine management and subsea infrastructure policy.

Candidate Background

Applicants should have:

• A good undergraduate degree (and ideally a Master’s degree) in marine ecology, environmental science, oceanography or a related discipline (such as geography, GIS)
• Experience with data analysis (and statistical methods are desirable).
• Some knowledge of GIS and spatial analysis techniques, or willingness to learn.
• Interest in marine ecology, biodiversity, and offshore/subsea environments.
• Familiarity with ecological modelling approaches (e.g., species distribution modelling) or willingness to learn.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics.

Informal enquiries are encouraged. For further information please contact Dr Kate Gormley (kate.gormley@abdn.ac.uk)

Application Procedure

Important: We welcome applications from international candidates for this studentship, but please be aware that a successful international candidate would be responsible for covering the difference between the international and Home/RUK tuition fee rates (approximately £22,000 per annum). International candidates must provide evidence that they have these funds available.

To apply, please submit the following documents via email to pgrc-recruitment@abdn.ac.uk

• A cover letter addressed to the supervisor of the project you’re applying for.
• An up-to-date CV detailing your academic qualifications, employment history, and any other relevant experience. Please ensure your current permanent address is clearly stated, as this will be used to determine your fee status.
• Clear copies of your degree certificates and transcripts (if available).
• Evidence of settled or pre-settled status (if applicable)
• Two academic references. We cannot request references on your behalf. Please either provide us with copies yourself or have your referees email them directly to us. Direct emails from referees must include your full name and the project you are applying for.

Please send your application with documents attached as a single email with the subject line: “NDCIF_KG – [Your Name]”

The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on 30th June 2026.

Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be reviewed.

By submitting an application for this project, please be aware that your details will be shared with our external project partners for review.

Funding Notes

Full funding is available to Home/RUK students only, including stipend/living expenses equivalent to UKRI amount ( £21, 805 for October 2026 starts and increasing each year for 3.5 years), Home/RUK tuition fees, a research training grant (£3,500 over 3.5 years) and research expenses (£10,000 over 3.5 years).

Important: We welcome applications from international candidates for this studentship, but please be aware that a successful international candidate would be responsible for covering the difference between the international and Home/RUK tuition fee rates (approximately £22,000 per annum). International candidates must provide evidence that they have these funds available.