PhD, Impact of small-magnitude volcanic eruptions on historical climate change- Exeter, UK
NERC GW4+ DTP PhD studentship for September 2025 Entry Ref: 5404
September 2025
Lead Supervisor: Thomas Aubry, University of Exeter, Earth & Environmental Sciences
Additional Supervisors: Paul Griffiths, University of Bristol, Department of Chemistry; Jane Mulcahy, UK Met Office
Location: Penryn Campus, University of Exeter
For eligible successful applicants, the studentship comprises:
1. An stipend for 3.5 years (currently £19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) in line with UK Research and Innovation rates
2. Payment of university tuition fees
3. A research budget of £11,000 for an international conference, lab, field and research expenses
4. A training budget of £1,000 for specialist training courses and expenses
The University of Exeter is committed to promoting and supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion within our working environments. They actively encourage applicants with varied experiences and backgrounds and from all sections of the community regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, or disability status.
Description
This project is one of several in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP). The partnership aims to provide broad training in earth and environmental sciences to train tomorrow’s leaders. Historical (1850-present) climate simulations are crucial for evaluating climate models and disentangling contributions of anthropogenic and natural forcings to past climate change. Small-magnitude eruptions contribute significantly to aerosol emissions, suggesting a bias in climate model simulations.
Tasks
The student will leverage a novel inventory of small-magnitude eruptions to produce historical climate simulations with a holistic representation of volcanic eruptions. They will run these simulations with the latest version of the UK Earth System Model (UKESM) and collaborate with the UK Met Office and international partners. The analysis will quantify the impact of small eruptions on historical temperatures, precipitation, and climate variability.
Project partners
The Met Office will provide training and access to expertise; IT support and hardware.
Training
The DTP offers funding for specialist training relating to the student’s research area.
Useful links
Webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/thomasjaubry/
NERC GW4+ DTP studentships are open to UK and Irish nationals who, if successful, will receive a full studentship including payment of university tuition fees at the home fees rate. A limited number of full studentships are also available to international students. International applicants should be aware of additional costs related to visas and moving to the UK.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or equivalent qualifications. Those with a Lower Second Class degree may be considered if they have a Master’s degree. Significant relevant non-academic experience is also encouraged.
All applicants must meet our English language requirements by the start of the project here.
Application Process
Apply here: Application Link
In the application process, upload the following documents:
1. CV
2. Personal Statement (using the provided template)
3. Transcript(s) with full details of subjects studied and grades obtained
4. Evidence of English proficiency, if applicable
5. Two references
The closing date for applications is Midnight 13th January 2025. Interviews will be held between 24 February and 7 March 2025.
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