Science jobs from University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences: job description
This fully funded studentship is available to start in October 2009, under the supervision of Dr Roland Von Glasow in the internationally renowned School of Environmental Sciences, UEA Norwich (RAE 5 ∗∗).
UK/EU APPLICANTS ONLY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS FUNDING (this is because of the eligibility rules of the funding body)
FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FOR UK/EU STUDENTS. FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT WILL COVER TUITION FEES AND STIPEND FOR UK STUDENTS, EU STUDENTS.WILL NORMALLY BE ELIGIBLE FOR TUITION FEES ONLY. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS FUNDING; THEY ARE STILL WELCOME TO APPLY FOR THIS PROJECT BUT WOULD HAVE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE FUNDING.
The chemical composition of the polar boundary layer is intricately linked with the cryosphere (snow/ice). The snowpack is a major source of trace gases that increase concentrations of the OH radical in the boundary layer. Processes linked to new sea ice formation drive emissions of halogens, especially bromine and iodine. All these emissions enhance the oxidising capacity (the fundamental reactivity) of the polar boundary layer. Given existing and predicted changes in the extent of the cryosphere, we need to explain current trace gas processes in order to predict their future role. BAS’s Atmospheric Chemistry group is at the forefront of such research, and two highly successful year-round field campaigns have yielded a rare archive of measurements of boundary layer chemical composition. During this PhD project, the student will conduct a thorough analysis of the BAS datasets, and then use UEA’s existing numerical models to test our understanding of processes. Specifically, they will use an established 1-dimensional multiphase model of the boundary layer that was recently modified for polar applications and will include a newly developed snow photochemistry module. Data interpretation will be further assisted with back trajectories from the British Atmospheric Data Centre (BADC) to assess the role of different source regions (open ocean, sea ice or snowpack) on air mass composition. Insights from the field measurements and the fit to model results will give confidence that processes are correctly understood. This assurance will allow an attempt to scale up the very detailed results from the 1-D model to the whole of Antarctica. The student will be based at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge but will spend time at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. At both institutes, the student will work as a member of highly experienced atmospheric chemistry research groups. The student will receive training in atmospheric chemistry (with a strong focus on the polar troposphere) as well as in numerical modelling. This NERC PhD studentship is linked with the BAS core science programme Chemistry and Past Climate. Fieldwork is not currently planned during the studentship. The ideal student will have an excellent degree in a subject where Chemistry and/or Atmospheric Science comprised the major part. They will also have very good mathematical ability and a strong interest in Earth System processes.
Contact:
For informal enquiries about this position please contact Dr Roland Von Glasow at r.von-glasow@uea.ac.uk or the Faculty of Science Admissions Office at scipg@uea.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1603 593002.
How to apply:
An application can be downloaded from our website at http://www1.uea.ac.uk/cm/home/services/units/mac/aao/courses/PG. Completed application forms should be submitted to the Admissions Office, Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday 13th March 2009
