Bio-optical approaches to probing biological productivity and carbon cycling in Antarctic waters

Bio-optical approaches to probing biological productivity and carbon cycling in Antarctic waters

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Kate Hendry, Polar Oceans, British Antarctic Survey

Professor Karen Heywood, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia

Dr Meredith Meyer, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia

Dr Alex Brearley, Polar Oceans, British Antarctic Survey

 

Scientific Background

Meltwater fluxes from glaciers and ice shelves are increasing across West Antarctica as a result of oceanic warming as well as an increase in atmospheric temperatures. The increase in freshwater inputs into the ocean are likely linked to changes in biological productivity, either through the resulting physical changes to the water column or because of changes in nutrient conditions. However, the exact nature of mechanistic link between enhanced freshwater flux and biological productivity, and the impacts on carbon export and sequestration, are poorly understood and require robust quantification if we are to improve our predictions of future responses to climatic changes.

 

Research Methodology

You will analyse ship-based and glider bio-optical (fluorescence and backscatter) data from a 2025 research expedition to the Bellingshausen Sea, West Antarctica, coupled with data from laboratory analyses of algal pigments, particulate and dissolved nutrients and freshwater tracers. These data will be combined with co-located physical oceanographic data to carry out a robust calibration of the glider bio-optics data, and investigate the drivers of biogeochemical (BGC) cycling in the region. There will be opportunities to expand the geographical reach of the dataset with data from other glider deployments in West Antarctica. You will also have an opportunity to learn laboratory methods for analysis of relevant BGC parameters.

 

Training

You will be based in the Polar Oceans Team at British Antarctic Survey, a highly active research team focused on both observations and modelling of the physics and biogeochemistry of Antarctic shelf seas. You will gain experience in computer coding, statistics for environmental science, working with and piloting autonomous underwater vehicles such as gliders. You will have the opportunity to be trained in BGC laboratory methods (e.g., nutrient and pigment analyses). There may be the opportunity to participate in ocean-going fieldwork onboard polar class research vessels such as the RRS Sir David Attenborough to gain experience of fieldwork at sea (subject to medical and sea-survival training).

 

Person Specification

We seek a highly numerate individual with a strong interest in handling ocean data from diverse platforms to gain important new insights into this highly climatically-relevant part of the world’s ocean. We require someone with previous experience in programming, and an interest in biogeochemistry, but do not necessarily require environmental science as a first degree. Previous laboratory experience is desirable but not a pre-requisite.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Any numerate degree (e.g. Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental/Earth Sciences)

Project code: HENDRY_BAS_ARIES26

(Banner image credit: SOI Alex Ingle. Listing image credit: Leo Danilovs.)

References

  • Hendry, K. R., Briggs, N., Henson, S., Opher, J., Brearley, J. A., Meredith, M. P., ... & Meire, L. (2021). Tracing glacial meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet to the ocean using gliders. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 126(8), e2021JC017274
  • Meyer, M. G., Jones, R. M., & Smith Jr, W. O. (2022). Quantifying seasonal particulate organic carbon concentrations and export potential in the Southwestern Ross Sea using autonomous gliders. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 127(10), e2022JC018798
  • Meyer, M. G., Portela, E., Smith Jr, W. O., & Heywood, K. J. (2025). Critical uncoupling between biogeochemical stocks and rates in Ross Sea springtime production–export dynamics. Ocean Science, 21(4), 1223-1236
  • Moffat, C., & Meredith, M. (2018). Shelf–ocean exchange and hydrography west of the Antarctic Peninsula: a review. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 376(2122), 20170164
  • Thomalla, S. J., Ogunkoya, A. G., Vichi, M., & Swart, S. (2017). Using optical sensors on gliders to estimate phytoplankton carbon concentrations and chlorophyll-to-carbon ratios in the Southern Ocean. Frontiers in Marine Science, 4, 34

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) 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 being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the  University of East Anglia Application Portal