PhD Studentship: Using novel techniques to investigate foraminifera biomineralisation and geochemistry

Using novel techniques to investigate foraminifera biomineralisation and geochemistry

DoS: Dr Tracy Aze (tracy.aze@plymouth.ac.uk)

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Christopher Smart (C.Smart@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor: Professor Sandra Piazolo, University of Leeds

4^th Supervisor: Dr David Evans, University of Southampton

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01 October 2025

Project Description

Planktonic foraminifera are single-celled marine protists that build calcium carbonate (calcite) shells, which are well-preserved in deep sea sediments. They have existed for ~150 million years, are found in all global oceans, and have one of the best species-level fossil records. Consequently, they are widely employed for palaeoenvironmental and biostratigraphic research and are increasingly becoming a model for macroevolutionary analysis.

Despite decades of research, the mechanisms by which planktonic foraminifera build their calcite shells remain elusive. This project will utilise Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD) and in-situ chemical analyses to investigate the shell wall at the microstructural level. The aim is to better understand how foraminifera biomineralisation occurs and how these structures vary between species. This research will not only enhance understanding of biomineralisation but also provide insights into how these processes have evolved. By linking microstructural features to environmental conditions and evolutionary history, it could improve palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and our understanding of macroevolutionary trends.

Research Methodology: 

1.Investigate microstructural differences in the biomineralisation processes of planktonic foraminifera with differing wall textures.

2.Quantify changes in the microstructure of planktonic foraminifera with differing preservation histories and investigate the implications for alteration of trace metal geochemistry.

3.Investigate the prevalence of calcite twinning throughout the evolutionary history of planktonic foraminifera and the implications for shell strength.

Training:

The student will become an expert in foraminifera taxonomy and ecology and gain experience in various analytical techniques, such as Light Microscopy Z-stack image capture, Electron Back Scatter Diffraction, Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fore Scatter Microscopy, and Electron Microprobe Analysis of trace element geochemistry. 

For information on Eligibility and Funding, please click on the links below: 

• Eligibility
• Funding

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.  

Please clearly state the name of the DoS and the studentship that you are applying for at the top of your personal statement. 

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.

The closing date for applications on 8^th January 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview 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.

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