UG Summer Placement 2026 - University of Glasgow

Project Overview

Kelp plays a critical role in coastal ecosystems, acting as both a habitat and a recorder of environmental conditions. Within its tissues are chemical “fingerprints”, lipid molecules and isotopic signatures, that change in response to factors such as light, salinity, nutrient availability, and coastal stressors. This project aims to investigate these chemical markers to better understand how marine environments respond to natural and human‑driven change.

During this placement, the student will receive full training to carry out laboratory sample preparation, including solvent extraction, derivatisation and simple chromatographic workflows. They will assist in operating key analytical instruments such as gas chromatography–flame ionisation detection (GC‑FID), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) and gas chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‑IRMS). With support from experienced technical staff, they will learn how to handle raw data, interpret analytical outputs, and contribute to discussions about what the emerging chemical patterns may mean for coastal ecosystems.

Beyond laboratory experience, the project provides opportunities to engage with the wider technical community, participate in team meetings, and build confidence in a real research environment. The placement is designed to be fully supportive and developmental, making it suitable for students with enthusiasm and curiosity even if they have limited prior lab experience.