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- Tasks: Investigate winter carbon cycling in Arctic lakes using innovative sensor technology.
- Company: Northumbria University, a leader in polar science research.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with stipend, tuition fees, and research training support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate science while exploring the Arctic.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and passion for environmental science required.
- Other info: Collaborative research team with fieldwork opportunities in Arctic Canada and Scandinavia.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
PhD opportunity in Snow, Light and Life Beneath the Ice: Low‑carbon approaches to understanding winter carbon dynamics in Arctic lakes. This PhD will investigate how snow and ice conditions shape winter carbon cycling in frozen lakes. Working with international partners, you will deploy sensors to continuously measure greenhouse gases, light, and temperature beneath lake ice. Snow removal experiments and snow mass mapping will help determine how light availability influences under‑ice gas production. By linking field measurements, modelling, and innovative sensor technology, you will help address a major uncertainty in Arctic climate science: how frozen lakes contribute to global carbon budgets.
You will gain experience in environmental instrumentation, field experimentation, data analysis and modelling, supported by a collaborative and inclusive research team. Full training will be provided to support data collection in cold environments. Additional support for numerical analysis to upscale field measurements and investigate their application in process‑based models will be provided by the supervisory team at Northumbria and Leeds Universities.
Supervised by Nick Rutter, Emma Hocking, Paul Mann, Leanne Wake (Northumbria University) and Lee Brown (University of Leeds). For any informal enquiries about the project and your application feel free to contact nick.rutter@northumbria.ac.uk.
This PhD is part of the NERC‑funded Net Zero Polar Science Doctoral Training Programme which aims to make polar science possible in a net zero world.
Additional Notes: Based at Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK, with fieldwork opportunities in Arctic Canada and Scandinavia. Funding for 3.5 years, starting October 2026, includes a full stipend at UKRI rates, full tuition fees and an annual Research Training and Support Grant. Application deadline 17:00 (GMT) 7 January 2026 – find further guidance on making an application here: https://nzps-dtp.ac.uk/application-process/. Applications welcome from students worldwide!
PhD opportunity: Snow, Light and Life Beneath the Ice in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: European Geosciences Union (EGU)
Contact Detail:
European Geosciences Union (EGU) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD opportunity: Snow, Light and Life Beneath the Ice in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members at Northumbria University. They can give you insider info about the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the project details. Understand the key aspects of winter carbon dynamics and be ready to discuss how your background fits into the research goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for polar science! When you get the chance, share why this research excites you and how you see yourself contributing to the field. Enthusiasm goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD opportunity: Snow, Light and Life Beneath the Ice in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s important to understand what the PhD opportunity entails and what skills and experiences we’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant strengths.
Show Your Passion for the Subject: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for snow, light, and life beneath the ice shine through! We want to see why this research excites you and how it aligns with your academic goals. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any relevant experience you have, whether it's fieldwork, data analysis, or working with environmental instrumentation. We love seeing how your background fits into our project, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary details and guidance there to help you through the process. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Geosciences Union (EGU)
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the specifics of the PhD project. Understand the key concepts around winter carbon dynamics, snow and ice conditions, and how they relate to Arctic climate science. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the project, the team, and the methodologies involved. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills. For instance, you might ask about the types of sensors used or how fieldwork is coordinated in challenging environments.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight any previous experience you have with environmental instrumentation, data analysis, or fieldwork, especially in cold climates. Be ready to discuss specific projects or coursework that align with the PhD focus, as this will illustrate your preparedness for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this PhD involves working with international partners, emphasise your ability to work in a collaborative environment. Share examples of past teamwork experiences, particularly in research settings, to showcase your adaptability and communication skills.
