PhD Studentship: Across land, oceans and the atmosphere: Decoding Earth's carbon cycle with CO2 polyisotopologues

Overview

This PhD studentship focuses on decoding Earth's carbon cycle using carbon dioxide polyisotopologues. The research builds on the UKRI NERC POLYGRAM project and is hosted by the University of East Anglia within the School of Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, with collaboration involving Utrecht University. The main aim is to determine if atmospheric carbon dioxide polyisotopologues can supply new quantitative constraints on ecosystem productivity and carbon cycling across local to global scales, testing the hypothesis that combined carbon and triple-oxygen isotope signatures contain unique information unavailable from conventional observations.

What you get

Successful candidates who meet UKRI eligibility criteria receive a fully-funded studentship covering university fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum for the 2026 to 2027 period, and a research training and support grant. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants where the fee difference between home and international rates is waived by the registering university. Training includes learning state-of-the-art laser-spectroscopic measurements, advanced environmental data analysis and modeling, scientific communication, specialist training, field measurements, and a research visit to Utrecht.

Requirements

Applicants should be enthusiastic, self-motivated team players with strong scientific interests and an aptitude for combining experimental measurements with quantitative data analysis. Funding is subject to UKRI terms and conditions, and relocation and living costs in the United Kingdom such as visas or health surcharges are not covered by the award.

How to apply

Candidates must apply directly through the designated university processes for the studentship.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is December 16, 2026.