PhD Studentship - Investigating past North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre Tipping Points to Improve Early Warning Systems

Are you passionate about climate science and eager to study past ocean changes to transform our ability to predict and prepare for future climate tipping points? We are seeking for a highly motivated candidate to join an ambitious project investigating past climate tipping points.

The North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre (SPG) is a key component of our climate system that may be approaching a tipping point. Understanding how the SPG has changed in the past is crucial for predicting future changes. In this fully-funded PhD project, you will work directly with world-leading experts focusing on generating groundbreaking new paleoceanographic data to understand the forcings and the mechanisms of interglacial abrupt changes in the Subpolar Gyre circulation. You will use state-of the art geochemical and micropaleontological techniques on exceptional North Atlantic marine sediment cores to reconstruct past SPG changes including upper ocean temperatures, salinities and water mass properties. The unique records will be used to identify and study state shifts in the SPG system. You will closely work with climate modellers to identify and target new locations and oceanographic indicators as key predictors of impending tipping points.

Funding: The scholarship covers UK domestic fees and stipend (currently £20,780 per year in 2025/2026) for 3.5 years, as well as funding to support research travel, training, and conferences. The successful candidate will be enrolled and based full-time in Geography at Durham University to begin in October 2025. This PhD studentship is part of VERIFY, a major research initiative funded by ARIA (Advanced Research+ Invention Agency) that aims to use past data to develop early warning systems for critical climate tipping points.

Training and Development: The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in advanced marine paleoceanographic techniques and data analysis. You will join a cohort of 7 PhD students across the VERIFY project which will benefit from regular training events, specialised workshops and seminars, interdisciplinary supervision and networking opportunities with leading scientists. You will benefit from access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities and integration into Durham’s vibrant Geography Department.

Candidate Profile: We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a first or 2:1 undegraduate degree in Earth, Ocean or Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography or a related field. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm for laboratory work and data analysis, excellent communication abilities and motivation to work as part of a truly interdisciplinary team. Familiarity and experience with paleoceanographic/paleoclimate research using sediment cores would be advantageous. We value diverse perspectives and experiences in our research team and encourage applications from underrepresented groups and welcome applications from mature students and those currently working outside academia.

How to Apply: Please submit: CV, Academic Transcripts, Cover letter (2-page A4 max) outlining your interest and suitability and letters from two referees (which can be sent directly to pg.geogadmin@durham.ac.uk by referees). Applications should be sent to pg.geogadmin@durham.ac.uk by the 31^st of March 2025 23:59.

For more information about the project or position please contact Dr Paola Moffa-Sanchez (paola.l.moffa-sanchez@durham.ac.uk).

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