Primary supervisor: Professor Dorothy Packer

Scientific background:

The Southern Ocean absorbs about 10% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity, slowing climate change. The study of unique Rothera time series of year-round CO2 (2010-2020) sheds light on how winter sea ice cover controls CO2 uptake by Antarctic coastal waters (1). The rapid decline of sea ice, strong melting of glaciers and warming raise concerns about how these climate-induced changes will affect future carbon dioxide uptake by these polar waters.

Project objectives:

The project objectives are to extend the chronology of Rothera carbonate chemistry over a period of rapid sea ice decline, to explore the impact of changes in sea ice extent on ocean CO2 uptake, and to investigate the effects of climate change on ocean CO2 uptake in Rothera and along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Research methodology:

In this diverse project, you will be trained and carry out analyzes of carbonate chemistry at the University of East Anglia, extending Rothera time series (https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/rats/) forward. You will explore the effects of changing sea ice and the shift to a long-term low sea ice regime on the ocean’s uptake of carbon dioxide at Rothera, using a one-dimensional ocean ice model. It will identify any long-term changes in ocean CO2 uptake along the Antarctic Peninsula using data from Rothera and SOCAT (www.socat.info) and specific CO2 products, with drivers of these changes determined from oceanographic data and model experiments as well as satellite products and reanalysis.

an exercise:

You will develop your skills in chemical analysis, data processing, visualization and interpretation using coding (Python or Matlab) and learn how to use a one-dimensional ocean biochemical model. You will collaborate with dynamic Rothera and POLOMINTS (http://polomints.ac.uk/(Scientific teams through your supervisors at the British Antarctic Survey)https://www.bas.ac.uk/) and the National Oceanographic Center (https://noc.ac.uk/). The research results will be presented at an international scientific conference and in peer-reviewed publications. Fieldwork is not part of this project, however, there may be opportunities for it.

Person specifications:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive team player with strong scientific interests, self-motivation and combining the ability for hands-on research with numerical skills. You will have a degree in natural sciences, environmental sciences, physics or a similar subject.

Entry requirements:

At least a UK BA (Hons) equivalency of 2:1. English language requirements (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Acceptable first degree: Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or a similar numerical subject.

Study method:

Full time

Start date:

October 1, 2026

Financing information

ARIES Scholarships are governed by UKRI Terms and Conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded scholarship, which covers fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26) and a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG). A limited number of scholarships are available to international applicants, with the difference between ‘national’ and ‘international’ fees waived by the registered university. However, please note that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with moving to and living in the UK, such as visa costs or additional health fees.