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PhD Studentship: Climate Change and Data Science

Overview

  • Qualification type: PhD
  • Subject area: Physics, Atmospheric/Climate Science, Data Science
  • Location/Campus: College Lane Campus, Hatfield
  • Start date: 1 September 2024
  • Closing application date: 31 March 2024
  • Duration: Full Time -  3 years.

Project title

Atmospheric rivers in the midst of Climate change using observations, models and data science approaches.

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship available from September 2024 within the Centre for Atmospheric and Climate Physics Research at the University of Hertfordshire to support research on the topic of Climate Change and Data Science. The PhD studentship is to advance our understanding of linkages between the Arctic and mid-latitudes with specific focus on atmospheric rivers and related aerosol interaction mechanisms. Your main task will be to combine observations, satellite retrievals, high resolution numerical modelling and Machine learning approaches to study the characteristics, mechanisms, and impacts of atmospheric rivers that reach the Arctic, and the connection to mid-latitude weather and climate extremes.

Project outline

Atmospheric Rivers (AR) are a long, narrow filaments of intense water vapour transport corridors that dominates the poleward transport of water vapour in the mid-latitudes. Although perhaps more well-known for their role in extreme precipitation along the west coast of North America, atmospheric rivers are also a key driver of extreme precipitation events in western Europe. In recent studies it has been seen that these AR’s may play a key role in Arctic warming and sea ice decline. Hence, it’s important to investigate whether and how these atmospheric rivers have changed under the background of anthropogenic emissions, how they have affected the Arctic climate, and how it will in turn influence regions like western Europe. The PhD candidate will work on combining observations, satellite retrievals, high resolution numerical modelling, and Machine learning approaches to study the characteristics, mechanisms, and impacts of atmospheric rivers that reach the Arctic, and its connection to mid-latitude weather and climate extremes.

Supervisors

Entry requirements

Applications are invited from individuals with a bachelor’s degree (2.1 or above) and/or Master (e.g. if your BSc degree classification is 2.2) in a relevant subject e.g. Physics, Meteorology, Atmospheric/Climate Science, Data Science, Remote Sensing, Mathematics, Computer Science or Engineering.

We are seeking applicants with:

  • Experience in data analysis and numerical modelling (expected but not mandatory)
  • Programming skills with at least one of the following programming languages: Python, FORTRAN, C/C++, MATLAB, IDL
  • Overseas applicants to have an IELTS (English proficiency) score of 6.5 or above (if they get selected for the studentship)
  • This project is a combination of both experimental and computational work. We welcome applications from candidates who have experience in or are willing to support lab/field measurements and modelling.

Eligibility

Open to both UK and International applicants, including EU applicants.

How to apply:

Please download and complete an application form

With your application please also submit a research proposal not exceeding two A4 pages, a CV and cover letter. You will also need to provide:

  • Two academic references to be provided by referee directly to the doctoral college.
  • Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
  • Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date.

For informal enquires please email: Ms Amy Bird at the Doctoral College , or Dr. Pushp Raj Tiwari using the following format in the email subject line: CACP PhD Studentships.

Your completed application should be emailed to the Doctoral College Admissions team by 31 March 2024.

Funding information

The studentship covers both the fees and an annual stipend of around £18,622 (tax-free).