High-Resolution Geochemical Analysis of Greenland Ice Cores to Identify Early Warning Signals of Rapid Climate Change

Are you passionate about climate research and keen to make a real impact? Are you keen to develop advanced research skills that can equip you for a wide range of future careers? Join an exciting, cutting-edge PhD project focused on obtaining and analysing high-resolution geochemical records from Greenland ice cores. <br /> <br /> This fully funded PhD is available at the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge. The project is part of a multi-million-pound interdisciplinary research consortium aimed at developing early warning systems and forecasting tipping points in the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Subpolar Gyre. A particular emphasis for this project is the 8.2 kyr event—a period marked by abrupt cooling in the North Atlantic region. <br /> <br /> Using state-of-the-art Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (TOF-ICP-MS), you’ll analyse trace elements and isotopes to reconstruct changes in atmospheric circulation and source conditions. Your findings will provide critical insights into the mechanisms behind abrupt climate shifts and directly inform climate modelers within the £81m ARIA-funded research consortium, enhancing predictive models for future climate tipping points. <br /> <br /> This project is hosted at the British Antarctic Survey, within a world-leading team at the forefront of ice core research, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, training, and contributing to major international projects like the Beyond EPICA – Oldest Ice Project.

<p><strong>Research Objectives</strong></p> <p>The aim of this project is to obtain high-resolution geochemical records from Greenland ice cores, focusing on trace elements and isotopic signatures using TOF-ICP-MS. The student will analyse specific periods of rapid climate change, including the 8.2 kyr event, to identify potential early warning signals of abrupt transitions. The student will use the elemental data to reconstruct shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns and source regions of aerosols and dust during past climate transitions.</p> <p>The objective is to incorporate these geochemical findings into predictive frameworks aimed at identifying early warning signals for future climate tipping points. The student will collaborate with leading climate modelers across this major new research theme, working closely with fellow students within the VERIFY consortium and wider ARIA funded initiative. We will compare the geochemical signals from different time periods to understand common drivers and mechanisms behind rapid climate changes.</p> <p><strong>Methodology</strong></p> <p>The project will employ TOF-ICP-MS to achieve ultra-high temporal resolution in the geochemical analysis of ice core samples. This technique allows for simultaneous detection of a broad range of elements, enabling detailed reconstructions of past atmospheric composition and circulation patterns. The interpretation of marine species in the ice will be enhanced by comparison with new palaeoceanographic records and synthesis efforts generated as part of this consortium. The candidate will focus on key elemental proxies (e.g., Na, Ca, Fe, Mg, Al, and rare earth elements) to trace changes in dust provenance, volcanic activity, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. </p> <p>The data will be subjected to advanced statistical analyses, including time-series analysis and signal detection techniques, to identify potential early warning indicators such as critical slowing down or increased variance preceding tipping points. The candidate will work closely with paleoceanographers and climate modelers to ensure the seamless integration of empirical data into climate simulations.</p> <p><strong>Interdisciplinary and International Collaboration</strong></p> <p>As part of the consortium, the PhD student will collaborate with leading experts in paleoclimatology, geochemistry, atmospheric science, and climate modelling. The student will also work closely with leading experts in the Greenland ice sheet at the Centre for Ice and Climate, Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen. Including a laboratory visit to sample the Greenland ice cores currently in the Danish archive. Regular workshops and cross-institutional meetings will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, joint publications, and international conference participation. </p> <p><strong>Candidate Profile</strong></p> <p>We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a background in (geo)chemistry, climate science, Earth or environmental sciences, or related fields. Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., R, MATLAB), and an interest in interdisciplinary research are essential. Familiarity with ice core research and paleoclimate data, or experience with geochemical techniques, would be advantageous. </p> <p><strong>Impact</strong></p> <p>This research will contribute to the broader understanding of how past climate systems responded to natural forcings, providing critical insights into the mechanisms and early warning signals of abrupt climate change. By informing climate models with high-resolution empirical data, the project will enhance predictive capabilities for future climate risks, supporting global efforts to develop robust early warning systems and inform policy decisions on climate adaptation.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <ul> <li>For ‘Application type’ please select ‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’.</li> <li>The admission year for this project is 2025/2026 Academic Year. You will need to select your ‘Planned Course of Study’ from a drop-down menu.</li> <li>For this project, scroll down and select ‘PhD Earth and Environment Full-time’.</li> <li>The project start date for this project is 1st October 2025, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research. </li> <li>You will also need to provide: copies of certificates and transcripts for your academic qualifications; a copy of your CV and a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. You will also need to provide two references. It is your responsibility to provide these references. More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>.</li> <li><strong>Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘High-Resolution Geochemical Analysis of Greenland Ice Cores to Identify Early Warning Signals of Rapid Climate Change’. Please list Liz Thomas and Ruza Ivanovic as your proposed supervisors. </strong></li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

The minimum entry requirements for PhD study are a 2.1 honours Bachelor degree, or equivalent, or a good performance in a Master's level course in (geo)chemistry, climate science, Earth or environmental sciences, or related fields. Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g. R, MATLAB), and an interest in interdisciplinary research are essential. Familiarity with ice core research and paleoclimate data, or experience with geochemical techniques, would be advantageous.<br /> <br /> Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the PGR Admissions team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Information about the Award </strong></p> <p>We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship hosted at the British Antarctic Survey (administered by the School of Earth and Environment, Leeds). Funding for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching UKRI maintenance stipend (£20,780 per year in 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for three and a half years, as well as a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £7,000, subject to satisfactory progress.  </p> <p><strong>Duration of the Award </strong></p> <p>Full-time (3.5 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. </p> <p><strong>Other Conditions </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree. </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2025. </li> <li>Applicants must be able to travel to Leeds for training and supervisory needs throughout the candidature.</li> </ul> <p><strong>If you are unsure whether you are eligible for Home fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a>.</strong></p>

<p>For further information please contact Liz Thomas at British Antarctic Survey (<a href="mailto:lith@bas.ac.uk">lith@bas.ac.uk</a>) or the Postgraduate Research Admissions team (<a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk?subject=%E2%80%8BBack%20to%20the%20Future%3A%20Ice%20Sheet%20collapse%2C%20ocean%20circulation%20slowdown%20and%20abrupt%20climate%20change">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a>).</p>