At a Glance
- Tasks: Research the impact of windstorms on climate change around Greenland.
- Company: Join a leading research team focused on Arctic climate science.
- Benefits: Fully-funded studentship covering fees and a stipend of £20,780 p.a.
- Other info: Opportunity to participate in research cruises and gain hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding climate change and its effects on our planet.
- Qualifications: Degree in a quantitative science; coding experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 € per year.
Primary Supervisor
Prof Ian Renfrew
Scientific background
Arctic climate change and the associated sea-ice retreat are having significant impacts on both the atmosphere, the ocean and their interactions. Atmosphere-ocean surface heat exchange is highest during cold-air outbreaks and high surface wind speeds and thus often associated with mesoscale weather systems such as barrier winds, polar lows, and tip jets, embedded within cold-air masses. As sea-ice retreats, the location of the highest heat fluxes also retreats, which is now contributing to changes in the atmospheric forcing of the Greenland and Iceland Seas and along the major ocean currents of the Nordics Seas, with ramifications for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. The challenge for this project is to determine likely future changes in these mesoscale weather systems and assess their impact on the coupled climate system.
Research methodology
The aim of the project is to quantify the impact of high windspeed events on atmosphere-ocean interactions with particular focus on long-term changes in their impact, given sea-ice retreat and changes in the ocean circulation. Specifically:
- Investigate the structure and characteristics of barrier winds off East Greenland using new wintertime observations from a research cruise.
- Carry out numerical weather prediction simulations of barrier wind case studies with the observed sea-ice distribution and with synthesised future sea-ice distributions; examine the impacts on barrier wind structure and associated surface turbulent fluxes.
- Examine the frequency, characteristics and ocean mixed-layer impacts of barrier winds and tip jets in current and future climates via time-slice comparisons from state-of-the-art climate model simulations.
Training
You will use observations from a series of Norwegian-led research cruises of the western Iceland and Greenland Seas. You may have the opportunity to take part in an autumn 2026 cruise. You will have training in using a state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction model – the Met Office Unified Model – and in the use and analyses of the latest climate model output.
Person Specification
A degree in a quantitative science. An interest in data analysis and numerical modelling of weather systems and the climate system is essential, while some experience in coding is desirable.
Entry Requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
- Physics
- Maths
- Meteorology
- Oceanography
- Geophysics or a similar quantitative science.
Start date
1 October 2026
Funding
ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between the Home and international fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
£20,780 - please see advert
PhD Studentship - Windstorms and Atmosphere-ocean Coupling around Greenland in a Changing Climate in Norwich employer: University of East Anglia
As a leading research institution, we offer an exceptional environment for PhD candidates passionate about climate science and its implications on global systems. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, providing access to cutting-edge resources and training opportunities, including participation in international research cruises. Located in the UK, our institution not only supports your academic journey with a fully-funded studentship but also immerses you in a vibrant community dedicated to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship - Windstorms and Atmosphere-ocean Coupling around Greenland in a Changing Climate in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of climate science and meteorology. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential supervisors or collaborators. You never know who might have a lead on your dream PhD studentship!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your data analysis and numerical modelling projects. This could be anything from coding snippets to visualisations of your findings. Having tangible evidence of your abilities can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your research interests and experiences. Focus on articulating how your background aligns with the specific challenges of the PhD project on windstorms and atmosphere-ocean coupling.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via StudySmarter. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be part of a community that values your passion for climate science.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship - Windstorms and Atmosphere-ocean Coupling around Greenland in a Changing Climate in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your background and interests align with the project on windstorms and atmosphere-ocean coupling. We want to see your passion for Arctic climate change and how you can contribute to our research!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your quantitative science skills, especially in data analysis and numerical modelling. If you've got coding experience, let us know! We love seeing how you can apply your knowledge to real-world problems.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Make sure to proofread for any typos or errors – first impressions matter!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of East Anglia
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Arctic climate change, atmosphere-ocean interactions, and the specific mesoscale weather systems mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with data analysis, numerical modelling, and any coding you've done. Bring examples of past projects or coursework that demonstrate your quantitative skills, especially if they relate to weather systems or climate science.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Think of some thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the project, the research methodology, or the training opportunities available. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Since this role involves using a state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction model, be prepared for potential technical questions or scenarios. Brush up on relevant software and methodologies, and don’t hesitate to express your eagerness to learn more during the training.
