[Studentship supported for 3.5 years, includes a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 UKRI rate TBC).]

This fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth, in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), investigates the role of the Antarctic Ocean microlayer as a source of cloud-forming particles. The project, titled “From Oceans to Clouds: Is the Antarctic Ocean Microlayer a Source of Cloud Forming Particles?”, aims to understand how changes in sea ice and ocean conditions around Antarctica influence the concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nucleating particles (INP), which are critical for cloud formation and, ultimately, climate regulation.

Supervised by Dr Floortje van den Heuvel (BAS), Professor Mark Fitzsimons (University of Plymouth), Dr Markus Frey (BAS), and Dr Freya Squires (BAS), the successful candidate will join the Atmosphere, Ice and Climate (AIC) team at BAS. The research will combine aircraft vertical profiles and aerosol measurements from Rothera station to study sea surface aerosol emissions and new particle formation processes. Laboratory experiments will be conducted on sea water and ice samples in the aerosol and trace gas lab at BAS and the biogeochemistry research centre at the University of Plymouth. There may also be opportunities for polar fieldwork at research stations or aboard research vessels.

The project offers comprehensive training in atmospheric measurement techniques, fieldwork planning, and participation in team meetings. The student will benefit from the vibrant BAS PhD cohort and have access to training opportunities at BAS, the University of Plymouth, and external summer/winter schools.

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree in chemistry, physics, atmospheric or marine sciences, or a relevant Masters qualification. Experience in, or a willingness to learn, programming is required. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum English language requirements (IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component).

The studentship provides a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 UKRI rate TBC) for 3.5 years. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, with the studentship commencing on 1 October 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Floortje van den Heuvel at [email protected].

To apply, visit the University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership page and submit all required documents by the deadline.