Improving estimates of shelf sea CO2 uptake

Marine Science PhD Studentship
Plymouth, Devon

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is a multidisciplinary, internationally renowned, strategic marine research centre. PhD studentships are offered to highly motivated graduates who are committed to developing their scientific career at PML. This studentship is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Project Title: Improving estimates of shelf sea CO2 uptake

PML has an exciting opportunity for a PhD Studentship based within the Cycling in the Sunlit Ocean research group and in collaboration with the University of Exeter. The joint PML/Exeter supervisory team of Dr. Tom Bell, Dr Ute Schuster and Prof. Andy Watson offers access to world class research facilities and operates at the forefront of marine carbon cycle and air/sea gas exchange research.

This funded PhD studentship will examine the occurrence of vertical gradients in the near surface ocean and their impact on air/sea CO2 exchange. The objective of the work is to assess the importance of surface ocean gradients and make estimates of shelf sea CO2 uptake. This work is important because approximately 25% of the atmospheric CO2 produced by anthropogenic activities has been absorbed by the ocean. The Northern European shelf seas may be responsible for as much as 20% of the world oceans’ anthropogenic CO2 uptake

You will have the opportunity to collect vertical profiles of temperature, salinity and CO2 during fieldwork in the Celtic Sea and regular sampling at the Western Channel Observatory. Measurements of ocean ‘skin’ temperature will be compared with subsurface data. This work will make an important contribution to the NERC Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry research program. You will also have the opportunity to engage with an ongoing European Space Agency project that is attempting satellite-based estimates of whole shelf air/sea CO2 flux.

You can expect to develop your laboratory and data analysis skills and gain an extensive understanding of the marine carbon cycle and air/sea gas exchange. You will also acquire transferable skills in IT, management and communications, while participating in research of global significance.

This studentship will commence in October 2013 or earlier if possible. For further information, please contact Dr Tom Bell ([Email Address Removed]).

Eligibility:
Applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a good honours degree in chemistry, physics, environmental sciences or another relevant science. Any further post-graduate training or relevant experience would be beneficial. You must meet the eligibility criteria, specified by NERC, please refer to: www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/application/studentships/studentbook2011.pdf.

At PML you will benefit from access to the latest computer, networking and communications technology, modern laboratory instrumentation, the National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) and two modern inshore research vessels. In addition, PML runs a lively Sports & Social Club, providing a variety of free and subsidised facilities and activities.

How to apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter to:
Mrs E Matthews, Human Resources, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH. T: +44 (0)1752 633100; E: [Email Address Removed]
Quoting reference: PML03513
Closing date: 1200hrs, Wednesday 24th April 2013