Funded Dual‑Degree PhD Opportunity (University of Manchester - Peking University)
Quantifying Heteroaggregation and Settling of Nanoparticles, Phytoplankton and Clays for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
Are you ready to push the boundaries of climate science, nanomaterials, and ocean biogeochemistry, while earning a dual-PhD degree from two world-leading universities?
The University of Manchester and Peking University are offering an exceptional funded dual‑award PhD position for September 2026 entry. This unique programme allows you to conduct cutting-edge research across Manchester (UK) and Beijing (China), benefiting from world-class supervision, facilities, and international collaboration.
The topic:
Developing negative-emission techniques is essential for meeting global climate targets. With implications for the development of marine-based carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) strategies, this project will quantify the interactions of multiple particles and their subsequent fate and transport in the marine environments.
This PhD will quantify:
- How engineered nanoparticles, phytoplankton, and clay minerals interact with each other in seawater – a process known as hetero-aggregation.
- How these interactions influence particle settling and carbon export efficiency.
The research will be conducted through laboratory experiments and testing previously developed or new models. The candidate will work at the interface of environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, colloid science, oceanography, and climate mitigation, using advanced analytical, modelling, and experimental approaches.
Supervisors
- Dr Peyman Babakhani, Department of Civil Engineering and Management, University of Manchester
- Prof Juan Liu, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University
Co-supervisors:
- Dr Jon Pittman, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester
- Dr Zhen Wu, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University
Eligibility: We welcome international and UK home applicants with experimental skills in both particle characterisation and phytoplankton experiments. Mechanistic modelling skills are also desirable but not necessary.
Application deadline: January 19, 2026
Full project details and application instructions: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/uom-peking-university-quantifying-heteroaggregation-and-settling-of-engineered-nanoparticles-phytoplankton-and-clay-particles-in-seawater-conditions-for-marine-based-carbon-dioxide-removal/?p192433
Company Description
The University of Manchester is a globally recognised institution known for its pioneering research, high-quality education, and commitment to societal and environmental progress. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, it ranks 6th in the UK and 35th globally (QS World University Rankings, 2025). With a diverse community of over 44,000 students, 12,800 staff, and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries, it is celebrated for its contributions to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and groundbreaking research, evidenced by 26 Nobel laureates and top rankings in research performance. Located in the vibrant city of Manchester, the university is also a top choice for undergraduate applicants and is highly sought after by leading employers.