PhD Studentship: Attributing and Quantifying Carbon Sources and Sinks Using Atmospheric CO2 Isotopologues

Primary Supervisor – Prof. Jan Kaiser

Scientific background: The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to avoid dangerous climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases. Independent top-down constraints on emissions require accurate measurements of CO₂ concentrations and fluxes, as well as verifiable attribution to natural and anthropogenic sources, using tools such as the isotopic fingerprint of CO₂. Recent technological developments now allow the analysis of ever rarer isotopic CO₂ species, called polyisotopologues, which offer novel insights into the origin and fate of atmospheric CO₂.  

This studentship builds on the ongoing UKRI NERC POLYGRAM project (POLYisotopologues of GReenhouse gases: Analysis and Modelling; https://polygram.ac.uk).  

Research Methodology: You will work with existing data and generate new data to extend the geographic range of CO₂ polyisotopologue applications to key carbon cycle processes. Specifically, you will: 

• analyse and interpret seasonal and interannual variability of triple oxygen (¹⁶O, ¹⁷O, ¹⁸O) and stable carbon (¹²C, ¹³C) isotopes in CO₂ at Weybourne Atmospheric Observatory (WAO; north Norfolk) 
• quantify oxygen isotope variations in CO₂ at Alice Holt Forest Research Station in Hampshire to investigate ecosystem-scale carbon cycle processes 
• evaluate isotope gradients in CO₂ at remote locations around the globe and from shipboard latitudinal transects across the Atlantic Ocean, as a measure of global primary productivity variations   

Training: You will join a research team at UEA, but also work with our UK collaborators and visit the University of Groningen (Netherlands). You will develop proficiency in: 

• CO₂ and H₂O isotopologue measurements using laser spectrometers in field and in laboratory 
• Advanced statistical analysis of time-series data, including modelling techniques 
• Networking skills (e.g., via the National Centre for Atmospheric Science summer school) 
• Presentation techniques and scientific writing (including conferences and peer-reviewed publications)  

Person specification: We seek an enthusiastic team player with strong scientific interests, self-motivation, and numerical skills. You will have a degree in environmental sciences, physics, chemistry, natural sciences, engineering or equivalent, and a strong interest in the carbon cycle and climate change. 

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (for a maximum 3 years)

Closing Date: 27 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm)  

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