University of East Anglia
4 days ago
PhD Studentship: Towards Near Real-time Quantification of Fossil Fuel Emissions University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 16, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia
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About this position
PhD Studentship at the University of East Anglia: Towards Near Real-time Quantification of Fossil Fuel Emissions
This PhD studentship focuses on developing near real-time methods to quantify fossil fuel CO2 emissions using atmospheric measurements and modelling. The project addresses a key challenge in climate policy: accurately tracking emissions at policy-relevant scales in support of the Paris Agreement. Students will work on top-down fossil fuel CO2 (ffCO2) estimation by combining synchronous atmospheric CO2 and oxygen (O2) observations with complementary tracers such as radon.
The research uses new fossil fuel O2 and CO2 emission ratio data and measurements from the Weybourne Atmospheric Observatory and the Heathfield Tall Tower in the UK. The successful candidate will disentangle atmospheric signals into anthropogenic and natural processes, investigate UK-specific O2/CO2 emission ratios, work towards near real-time top-down ffCO2 reporting, and use the results to help reassess land and ocean carbon sink partitioning and carbon budget imbalances.
Training is a major part of the studentship. The project includes one-to-one training in high-precision atmospheric O2 and CO2 measurement, related tracer measurements, programming in R and Python for advanced atmospheric time-series analysis and machine learning, and presentation/writing skills for conferences and peer-reviewed publications. There is also a 3–6 month research placement at the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL), plus the opportunity for a 1–3 month research visit in Wellington, New Zealand, working with CarbonWatch-NZ data. Additional networking and skills development may be available through summer schools such as the National Centre for Atmospheric Science summer school.
This is a fully funded ARIES studentship subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Eligible candidates receive fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between home and international fees waived by the university, although relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.
The project is suitable for applicants with a strong interest in the carbon cycle and climate change, good numerical skills, and motivation for collaborative research. Academic qualifications and non-academic experience are considered equally. The application deadline is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should be enthusiastic team players with a strong interest in the carbon cycle and climate change, self-motivation, and numerical skills. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential. The project particularly suits candidates with interest in atmospheric measurements, modelling, and quantitative data analysis; R/Python and machine learning experience are beneficial but not explicitly required. UKRI eligibility criteria apply for fully funded support, and some international applicants may be considered subject to available studentship places.
How to apply
Apply via the University of East Anglia application link and click the Apply button on the project page. After submitting the application for the relevant ARIES project, complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for 2027 entry. If applying to more than one project, submit a separate form for each.
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Prepare your application
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