Project Overview: The Mediterranean Sea is recognized as a climate change hotspot, experiencing dramatic warming and drying trends that have led to extreme weather events in recent years. This PhD project at the University of Southampton will investigate the links between changes in surface Mediterranean waters, marine heatwaves, and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather. The research will focus on how surface warming, evaporation, and salinity changes (SST and SSS) are driving shifts in the Mediterranean Zonal Overturning Circulation (MZOC) and the broader regional climate. Research Focus: The project will address three main questions: (1) How do changes in the water cycle and air-sea heat fluxes impact sea surface conditions, water mass formation, and the MZOC? (2) How do marine and atmospheric heatwaves develop, interact, and intensify in the Mediterranean under a warming and drying climate? (3) To what extent are recent weather extremes in the region attributable to marine heatwaves and rapid increases in SST and evaporation? Methodology & Training: The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training through the IGNITE programme, including personal and professional development, and opportunities to engage with a wide network of academic, research, and policy partners. Specific training will cover programming (Python, Matlab, Ferret), AI and statistical methods for analyzing satellite and in-situ data, re-analyses, and climate model simulations. The project will also involve the use of Lagrangian diagnostic tools to trace water masses and moisture pathways, and may include collaboration with regional partners for monitoring water properties in the eastern Mediterranean. Supervision & Environment: The project will be supervised by Dr NS Skliris, Prof S Josey, and Dr D Chan in the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences. The University of Southampton offers a vibrant research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive doctoral training community. Funding: The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award provides 3.5 years of funding (full- or part-time), including a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), Home tuition fees, a waiver for the international fee difference, and a Research Training Support Grant of £2,200 per year. Eligibility: Applicants should have a UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject, or an international equivalent. English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in all components or equivalent) is required. Experience or interest in programming, AI, and environmental or physical sciences is desirable. Application Process: Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on 8 January 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor to discuss suitability before applying. Both UK and international students are eligible, but competition for international studentships is high. The IGNITE programme also offers a guaranteed interview scheme for qualifying UK applicants from racially minoritised backgrounds. For more information, visit the project page or contact nerc-dla@soton.ac.uk .