Mark Fitzsimons

[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.

[The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes a stipend from £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 UKRI rate TBC).] This fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Plymouth investigates the role of the Antarctic Ocean microlayer in generating cloud-forming particles, with a focus on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nucleating particles (INP). The project addresses how changes in sea ice and ocean conditions around Antarctica may influence atmospheric particle concentrations and, ultimately, cloud formation and climate feedbacks. As a student, you will be embedded within the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Atmosphere, Ice and Climate (AIC) team, collaborating closely with experts in atmospheric science, oceanography, and biogeochemistry. Your research will combine aircraft vertical profile data and aerosol measurements from Rothera station to study sea surface aerosol emissions and new particle formation processes. Laboratory experiments will be conducted on physical samples of sea water and ice, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities at both BAS and the University of Plymouth's biogeochemistry research centre. The project offers the possibility of participating in polar fieldwork at research stations or aboard research vessels, providing hands-on experience in extreme environments. You will receive comprehensive training in atmospheric measurement techniques, fieldwork planning, and data analysis, and will be part of a vibrant cohort of BAS PhD students with access to training opportunities at BAS, the University of Plymouth, and seasonal schools. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or a relevant Masters) in chemistry, physics, atmospheric/marine sciences, or a related discipline. Programming experience or a willingness to learn is essential. International applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, minimum 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, covering tuition and living expenses. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, with the programme commencing in October 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Floortje van den Heuvel at [email protected]. To apply, visit the University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training webpage and follow the instructions to submit your application and supporting documents.

This PhD studentship at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) investigates whether the Antarctic ocean microlayer is a significant source of cloud-forming particles, specifically cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nucleating particles (INP). The project is embedded in the Atmosphere, Ice and Climate (AIC) team at BAS and involves combining aircraft vertical profiles with 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 at the biogeochemistry research centre at the University of Plymouth. There may be opportunities for polar fieldwork at research stations or aboard research vessels. The successful candidate will receive training in atmospheric measurement techniques, fieldwork planning, and will participate in team meetings and the BAS PhD cohort. The project is suitable for candidates with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, maths, environmental science, oceanography, marine science, geography, meteorology, or similar quantitative disciplines, and who are enthusiastic about atmospheric and marine sciences. Programming experience or willingness to learn is desirable. The studentship is fully funded under the UKRI NERC DLA scheme, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International applicants are eligible, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, though relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered. ARIES provides additional funding for training, travel, and conferences. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, and the position will commence on 1 October 2026. Applications are encouraged from all backgrounds, and the recruitment process values both academic and non-academic experience. The project offers a safe, inclusive research environment and may be undertaken full-time or part-time, subject to visa conditions. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training Programme website.