PhD Studentship: Optimisation of an observational network for the ocean uptake of CO2, part of climate change research (fully funded PhD at University of Exeter within the Horizon Europe TRICUSO project)

The University of Exeter invites applications for a PhD studentship in climate change research of ocean CO₂ uptake, within the TRICUSO project funded by HORIZON EUROPE, to commence by 01 July 2025.  The studentship covers Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £22,000 for 3.5 years full-time.  The student will be based in Geography, Streatham Campus, Exeter, UK, with 4 to 6 months training time spend at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Oostende, Belgium

Project Description:

The Earth’s environment is changing due to excess CO₂ released into the atmosphere by humans. Physical, chemical, and biological stressors impact all global domains, including the global ocean, which takes up a significant amount of heat and anthropogenic CO₂; without this, the impacts of climate change would be substantially higher. Due to its crucial role in mitigating climate change, we need reliable information about changes in the natural cycles of the ocean and their physical, biological, and chemical drivers. In this project, we will design an observational network that is scientifically, financially, and logistically optimum for gaining the required information to be able to identify variability in the oceanic carbon cycle. We will utilise numerical techniques such as Observational System Sampling Experiments, Artificial Intelligence including neural networks, and statistical modelling, using in-situ and satellite observations and earth system model products combined with financial and societal information.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit.

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

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