Opportunities

Call for PHD theses 2026 – BRIDGES Research Program

The BRIDGES Research Program is launching an exciting opportunity for prospective PhD candidates interested in addressing key socio-ecological challenges within the South-West Indian Ocean region. The program will support a cohort of 10 doctoral researchers working on diverse topics such as marine ecosystems, fisheries, climate, ecological modelling, and social sciences. Through this initiative, BRIDGES aims to train a new generation of Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) equipped to contribute to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.

Successful candidates will join a structured 10-year programme that offers integrated scientific and professional training, a strong regional network, and collaboration with leading institutions and scientists. The research conducted will be locally grounded but designed to have global impact. For further details, including research topics and supervisor contact information, please visit the BRIDGES PHD Page.

Application for WHIRLSchool now open!

WHIRLSchool is a capacity sharing, shipboard training program offering an immersive, at-sea experience aboard the SA Agulhas II (26 June–27 July 2026 in the Cape Basin), where students will engage in hands-on learning through lectures by scientists, onboard sampling and experimental activities, and opportunities to contribute to ongoing WHIRLS research. Early-career researchers are invited to apply by submitting the application form with the endorsement of their supervisor by 26 April 2026.

More information about the programme and how to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aSy1iuLF9NJ5lwBj0LyAYC1J9m1UZ7uS/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113594881190623252057&rtpof=true&sd=true

Call for applications for a PhD in Marine Science

The MESCAL Project invites applications for a fully‑funded PhD bursary in Marine Science focused on the role of marine connectivity in climate change resilience within networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in East Africa. This research opportunity, supported by the IRD ARTS bursary, will be hosted through the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa, Kenya and the Marine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC) research unit in Sète, France. The successful candidate will conduct research on larval dispersal modelling, conservation biology, genetic diversity, and fish physiology, contributing to an international collaboration aimed at better understanding how MPAs can enhance resilience to environmental change. The bursary includes a stipend, health insurance, and annual travel between France and Kenya, with additional research costs funded by the MESCAL project.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., marine science, ecology, oceanography, bioinformatics) and demonstrate strong analytical and teamwork skills. Candidates from developing partner nations — particularly Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa — are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit a motivation letter, detailed CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for references via email with the subject “MESCAL ARTS connectivity PhD application” to david.kaplan@ird.fr by 10 March 2026. The PhD is expected to begin on 1 September 2026 and will run for three years.

For more information: https://www.mescal-project.org/employment-opportunities/2026-arts-connectivity-bursary/2026-arts-connectivity-bursary.html

The annual Bergen Summer Research School

The annual Bergen Summer Research School takes place in beautiful Bergen, Norway, 1-11 June 2026. It will welcome up to 100 PhD students from around the world for five parallel courses.

The theme next summer is Ocean Expectations, with courses from many disciplines:

1. Accounting for sustainability: water and climate
2. Ocean productivity and seafood in a changing climate
3. The oceans and planetary health justice
4. Ocean desires, ocean diversities
5. Diverse ways of sensing, knowing, and valuing the ocean (external link)

There will also be a joint workshop:

1. Systems thinking and creative problem-solving

And many additional talks, panels, and excursions!

The deadline to apply is 1 February 2026.

Financial assistance will be provided to some students, on a competitive basis.

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GFD -south winter school

1 week coursework of the concepts of geophysical fluid dynamics for the understanding of the ocean circulation. Expected dates & place: Nov 2025 in Brest (France) (contact: steven.herbette@univ-brest.fr)

Summer School CROCO-Sud

Expected dates & places: 24 Nov to 5 December 2025 in Cape Town (https://gdri-croco.cnrs.fr/)