Environmental Contaminant Exposure from Seafood Consumption During Pregnancy: Implications for Maternal and Child Health

Summary

Fish consumption during pregnancy is recommended for its nutritional benefits, particularly as a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, iodine and selenium, which support foetal development. Seafood, however, can also contribute to environmental contaminant exposure, requiring guidance that balances nutritional benefits against potential risks.

Historically, seafood risk–benefit assessment has focused predominantly on methylmercury (MeHg), with evidence indicating that the benefits of maternal fish consumption generally outweigh associated risks.

However, increasing attention is being directed towards persistent and emerging contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been detected in seafood, can cross the placenta and thus may affect foetal development. Yet, the contribution of seafood to maternal PFAS exposure and its implications for seafood risk–benefit assessment during pregnancy remains poorly understood.

This PhD will investigate maternal dietary exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy, with particular emphasis on PFAS and the contribution of seafood to overall dietary exposure.

A prospective pregnancy cohort will be established in Northern Ireland (NI), generating longitudinal dietary and biological data throughout pregnancy.

These data will be complemented by existing data and biological samples from the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS), providing comparison with a population characterised by exceptionally high habitual fish consumption.

The PhD will comprise four studies: (1) review dietary sources of PFAS and other contaminants relevant to pregnancy; (2) model dietary contaminant exposure and the relative contribution of seafood and other foods in NI and Seychelles; (3) characterise maternal contaminant exposure throughout pregnancy and compare exposure between NI and Seychelles; and (4) investigate associations between maternal contaminant exposure and birth weight, length, head circumference and gestational length.

Together, the project will establish the contribution of seafood to maternal contaminant exposure across contrasting fish-consuming populations, providing evidence to strengthen seafood risk–benefit assessment and inform dietary guidance during pregnancy.

Please note:  Research Proposal - 5 pages in total

The proposal must include:

• Background to the project - 2 pages
• Problem to be addressed/Aim and Objectives - 1 page
• Methods to be used -1 page
• Anticipated outcomes -1 page
• List of references

Please also note that the use of AI in generating the research proposal is prohibited.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences/Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.