Project Reference: EGIS2023-BH1
Are you interested in using climate models to help us understand the future? Consider applying for this PhD and join the Past Climate Change team at the Lyell Centre (Heriot-Watt University).
We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate who will analyse the impact of different past (warm) climate states on sea-ice and effects on seawater oxygenation through model simulations.
The research project
Sea ice plays an important role in regulating our climate. It not only reflects sunlight, but is also important in regulating temperatures. Sea ice traps the warmer seawater below and prevents the overlying atmosphere from warming up, and the extent of sea-ice and its thickness are important factors in this respect.
The aim of this project is to assess if and how sea ice extent and thickness has varied during previous warm climate states, and what the effects were on ocean oxygenation. This includes assessment of the early- and mid Pliocene, and recent interglacials with contrasting greenhouse gas and solar forcings.
The candidate will use existing outputs and new simulations from the Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3 (HadCM3) and the Hadley Centre Ocean Carbon Cycle Model (HadOCC) to assess sea-ice dynamics, and impacts on ocean circulation, ventilation and biogeochemistry in past warm climates.
Over the course of the PhD the student will gain transferable skills such as scientific writing, statistics and data analysis, and problem-solving, as well as time management and working towards a long-term goal. There will also be ample opportunities to be involved with outreach activities.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a first-class honours degree or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as earth and ocean sciences, or environmental mathematics, with some experience in using earth system models.
How to Apply
Please complete our online application form.
Please select PhD Marine Biology as the programme and include the full project title, reference number (EGIS2023-BH1) and supervisor name (Dr B Hoogakker) on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.
Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, why you are an ideal candidate for the position and what ideas you could bring to the project.
You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.
You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue or if you have not already studied for a degree that was taught in English within the last 2 years). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0 or a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 90 points.
For informal enquiries please get in touch with Babette Hoogakker: [Email Address Removed]
Please contact [Email Address Removed] for technical support with your application.
Timetable
The closing date for applications is 15th January 2024. Interviews will be held week commencing 29th January 2024. Project start date is flexible, but should start no later than September 2024.
Place of work & supervisory team
The PhD candidate will mainly be based at the Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, but will be expected to spend some time with collaborators from the University of Leeds. The Lyell Centre and the University of Leeds offer a dynamic and stimulating research environment. The PhD candidate will be supported by a supervisory team consisting of Babette Hoogakker and Vyacheslav Khon (Heriot Watt University), and Julia Tindall and Alan Haywood (University of Leeds).
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