PhD studentship at University of Liverpool, UK
Project: ACCE+ DLA programme: How do glaciers influence the dynamics of metal-binding organic matter in the Arctic?
Contact: Dr Hannah Whitby, Prof Claire Mahaffey, Prof Samuel Jaccard
Deadline for applications is Wednesday, January 08, 2025
About the Project
Background:
This project represents an exciting collaboration with the Swiss GreenFjord project, which aims ‘to create process understanding of how climate change affects fjord ecosystems, and how this propagates to biodiversity and livelihoods.’
We need to understand the impact of a changing Arctic on the base of the food chain, as this supports the entire marine ecosystem and the people that rely on it for food and livelihoods. The Arctic Ocean receives the highest freshwater input of any basin, serving as a crucial gateway for nutrients to adjacent oceans. As Arctic sea ice declines, increased light availability may increase marine productivity, using up nutrients and impacting their distribution and export. One of these nutrients is dissolved iron (DFe), which limits marine productivity across >30% of the global ocean (1). Even in the Arctic, low DFe can episodically limit marine productivity in open ocean regions and within fjord systems (2, 3). Glaciers transport large quantities of nutrients including DFe and organic material to Arctic fjords, with the type of glacier influencing nutrient distribution and bioavailability within the water column. However, while we understand the dominant physical processes, the chemical processes are poorly resolved; for example, organic matter can help keep iron dissolved, yet also contribute to its removal within fjords (3). We need a better understanding of the role of Fe-binding organic matter within fjord systems to establish the changing role of glacial discharge on Arctic marine productivity (4).
This low risk yet high reward project harnesses an archive of existing samples collected from 4 contrasting sites across Greenland and Svalbard, along with marine samples from the Barents Sea. Project design minimises risk whilst benefitting from a wide international network of expertise and ancillary data available to aid interpretation.
The candidate will have the opportunity to spend up to 3 months working at the partner institution in Switzerland and there may be opportunities for additional land and ship-based fieldwork in the Arctic with associated partners, depending on the interests of the candidate. Outputs from this project are designed to contribute to the role of glacial DFe inputs to Arctic fjords within an established biogeochemical model.
Objectives:
1. Define gradients in metal-binding organic matter distributions across different Arctic environments, using samples collected during the N-ARC project.
2. Compare the respective influence of land vs. marine terminating glacier systems on metal-binding organic matter in fjords, using samples collected as part of the GreenFjord project.
3. Determine the impact of glacial retreat on DFe in local seawater, through data synthesis and developing functional relationships between DFe and organic matter.
Candidate:
This project would be ideal for a student interested in global biogeochemical cycles, marine chemistry and climate change. Ideally, the candidate will have a biological or chemical background and have basic chemistry skills. No previous experience of fieldwork or marine processes is required, as relevant training will be provided. You will gain experience in: wet analytical chemistry, trace metal work, electrochemistry, data synthesis and genetic programming.
How to Apply
Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/.
All applicants to ACCE+ must complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of two referees.
Part-Time Study Options
All ACCE+ PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.
Project CASE Status
This project is not a CASE project.
Funding Notes
NERC ACCE+ DLA programme starts from October 2025.
UKRI provide the following funding for 3.5 years:
• Stipend (2024/25 UKRI rate £19,237)
• Tuition Fees at UK fee rate (2024/25 rate £4,786)
• Research support and training grant (RTSG)
Note – UKRI funding only covers UK (Home) fees. The DLA partners have various schemes which allow international students to join the DLA but only be required to pay home fees. Home fees are already covered in the UKRI funding, meaning that successful international candidates do not need to find any additional funding for fees.
References
1. Moore, J.K., et al., Deep Sea Res. Part II, 49, 1, 463-508 (2001)
2. Rijkenberg, M.J.A. et al., Frontiers in Mar. Sci, 5, 88 (2018)
3. Öztürk, M., et al., Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 55, 2, 197-212 (2002)
4. Hopwood, M. J., et al. The Cryosphere, 14, 4, 1347-1383 (2020).
Link to the announcement: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/acce-dla-programme-how-do-glaciers-influence-the-dynamics-of-metal-binding-organic-matter-in-the-arctic/?p178449