Using novel techniques to investigate foraminifera biomineralisation and geochemistry

AZE_P25ARIES

Using novel techniques to investigate foraminifera biomineralisation and geochemistry

AZE_P25ARIES

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Tracy Aze, Biological and Marine Sciences (SoBMS), University of Plymouth |  contact me

Dr Christopher Smart, School of Geography, Earth and Environment, University of Plymouth

Professor Sandra Piazolo, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds

Dr David Evans, School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton

Scientific Background

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

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.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Earth Sciences, Marine Biology, Palaeontology, Biology or a related field.

References

  • Procter, F. A., Piazolo, S., John, E. H., Walshaw, R., Pearson, P. N., Lear, C. H., and Aze, T. (2024) Electron backscatter diffraction analysis unveils foraminiferal calcite microstructure and processes of diagenetic alteration, Biogeosciences, 21, 1213–1233, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1213-2024.
  • Arns, A. I., Evans, D., Schiebel, R., Fink, L., Mezger, M., Alig, E., et al. (2022). Mesocrystalline architecture in hyaline foraminifer shells indicates a non-classical crystallisation pathway. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 23, e2022GC010445. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GC010445
  • John, E. H., Staudigel, P. T., Buse, B., Lear, C. H., Pearson, P. N., & Slater, S. M. (2023). Revealing their true stripes: Mg/Ca banding in the Paleogene planktonic foraminifera genus Morozovella and implications for paleothermometry. Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology, 38, e2023PA004652. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023PA004652

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2025. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 8th January 2025.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research funding. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgradute researcher (PGRs) benefit from bespoke graduate training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or imigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential, and will be stored on the UEA sharepoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships, and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • If funded under the BBSRC-NERC DLA scheme, ARIES studentships will be subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Apply Now

Apply now via the  University of Plymouth Application Portal