PhD Studentship: Ecosystem Responses to Changes in Ocean Circulation
University of East Anglia
Marine ecosystems are highly sensitive to the rapid physical reorganisation of the ocean under climate change. Large-scale circulation changes, including a weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and strengthening in Southern Ocean upwelling, combined with increasing surface ocean stratification, are altering light and nutrient availability and modulating phytoplankton growth (Guest et al. 2026). With turnover times of around one week, marine ecosystems respond almost instantaneously to thes...
Marine ecosystems are highly sensitive to the rapid physical reorganisation of the ocean under climate change. Large-scale circulation changes, including a weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and strengthening in Southern Ocean upwelling, combined with increasing surface ocean stratification, are altering light and nutrient availability and modulating phytoplankton growth (Guest et al. 2026). With turnover times of around one week, marine ecosystems respond almost instantaneously to thes...
Opportunity details
Marine ecosystems are highly sensitive to the rapid physical reorganisation of the ocean under climate change. Large-scale circulation changes, including a weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and strengthening in Southern Ocean upwelling, combined with increasing surface ocean stratification, are altering light and nutrient availability and modulating phytoplankton growth (Guest et al. 2026). With turnover times of around one week, marine ecosystems respond almost instantaneously to these physical changes. This PhD will investigate how ecosystem functional groups and trophic structure reorganise as ocean circulation changes (Xue et al. 2024), and determine the implications for the ocean carbon storage (Jarníková et al. 2025). It will thus contribute to understanding the interactions between marine biodiversity and climate change (Le Quéré and Mayot, 2022). This PhD will combine observational analysis with modelling studies. Observational analysis will examine satellite data, in situ observations and paleo reconstructions, to assess recent shifts in large-scale marine ecosystems. The modelling work will use NEMO-PlankTOM global ocean biogeochemistry model (Le Quéré et al. 2016). The PhD candidate will design, set up and run model simulations to explore ecosystem responses to circulation changes over multiple centuries (e.g. from 1800 to 2300), their coherence with observational signals, and implications for ocean carbon storage. The PhD candidate will be part of UEA’s Greenocean research group and benefit from international collaborations. The candidate will receive specific training in ocean ecosystem modelling, AI-based code development and data analysis, and access to UEA-led courses including on python, Linux, High-Performance Computing, a...
Eligibility
The PhD candidate will design, set up and run model simulations to explore ecosystem responses to circulation changes over multiple centuries (e.g. The PhD candidate will be part of UEA’s Greenocean research group and benefit from international collaborations. The candidate will receive specific training in ocean ecosystem modelling, AI-based code development and data analysis, and access to UEA-led courses including on python, Linux, High-Performance Computing, and data/code sharing with GitHub. They will acquire valuable transferable skills including Data Analysis and Management, Computer Programming and Modelling, Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Scientific Communication, Collaboration and Networking, opening opportunities in academic and non-academic careers.
Requirements
The PhD candidate will design, set up and run model simulations to explore ecosystem responses to circulation changes over multiple centuries (e.g. The PhD candidate will be part of UEA’s Greenocean research group and benefit from international collaborations. The candidate will receive specific training in ocean ecosystem modelling, AI-based code development and data analysis, and access to UEA-led courses including on python, Linux, High-Performance Computing, and data/code sharing with GitHub. They will acquire valuable transferable skills including Data Analysis and Management, Computer Programming and Modelling, Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Scientific Communication, Collaboration and Networking, opening opportunities in academic and non-academic careers.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
How to apply
Individuals with experience in applied mathematics, computer programming and a particular interest in modelling and/or machine learning are encouraged to apply.
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Recorded source check: October 22, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
Eligibility summary
The PhD candidate will design, set up and run model simulations to explore ecosystem responses to circulation changes over multiple centuries (e.g. The PhD candidate will be part of UEA’s Greenocean research group and benefit from international collaborations. The candidate will receive specific training in ocean ecosystem modelling, AI-based code development and data analysis, and access to UEA-led courses including on python, Linux, High-Performance Computing, and data/code sharing with GitHub. They will acquire valuable transferable skills including Data Analysis and Management, Computer Programming and Modelling, Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Scientific Communication, Collaboration and Networking, opening opportunities in academic and non-academic careers.
Requirements
The PhD candidate will design, set up and run model simulations to explore ecosystem responses to circulation changes over multiple centuries (e.g. The PhD candidate will be part of UEA’s Greenocean research group and benefit from international collaborations. The candidate will receive specific training in ocean ecosystem modelling, AI-based code development and data analysis, and access to UEA-led courses including on python, Linux, High-Performance Computing, and data/code sharing with GitHub. They will acquire valuable transferable skills including Data Analysis and Management, Computer Programming and Modelling, Systems Thinking, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Scientific Communication, Collaboration and Networking, opening opportunities in academic and non-academic careers.
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