Primary supervisor: Professor Kate Hendry

Scientific background:

Meltwater flows from glaciers and ice shelves across West Antarctica are increasing as a result of rising ocean temperatures as well as increasing atmospheric temperatures. Increases in freshwater inputs into the ocean are likely related to changes in biological productivity, either through resulting physical changes in the water column or due to changes in nutrient conditions. However, the precise nature of the mechanistic link between enhanced freshwater flow and biological productivity, and the effects on carbon export and sequestration, is poorly understood and requires robust quantification if we are to improve our predictions of future responses to climate change.

Research methodology:

It will analyze ship- and glider-based photobiometric (fluorescence and backscatter) data from a 2025 research cruise to the Bellingshausen Sea, West Antarctica, along with data from laboratory analyzes of algal pigments, particulate and dissolved nutrients, and freshwater tracers. These data will be combined with in-situ physical oceanographic data to perform robust calibration of glider bio-optics data, and investigate drivers of biogeochemical cycling (BGC) in the region. There will be opportunities to expand the geographic scope of the dataset using data from other glider deployments in West Antarctica. You will also have the opportunity to learn laboratory methods for analyzing relevant BGC parameters.

an exercise:

You will be based in the Polar Ocean Team at the British Antarctic Survey, a very active research team focusing on both observations and modeling of the physics and biogeochemistry of Antarctic shelf seas. You will gain experience in computer coding, environmental science statistics, and working with and piloting autonomous underwater vehicles such as gliders. You will have the opportunity to train in BGC laboratory methods (e.g., nutrient and pigment analyses). There may be an opportunity to participate in oceanic fieldwork on board Polar class research vessels such as the RRS Sir David Attenborough to gain experience of fieldwork at sea (subject to medical and sea survival training).

Person specifications:

We are looking for a highly computationally skilled individual with a strong interest in working with ocean data from diverse platforms to gain important new insights into this climate-relevant part of the world’s oceans. We need someone with prior programming experience, and an interest in biogeochemistry, but not necessarily environmental science as a first degree. Previous laboratory experience is desirable but not a prerequisite.

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:

Any academic degree (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, environmental, earth sciences).

Start date: 1^street October 2026

Finance

ARIES Scholarships are governed by UKRITerms 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.