PhD in Impact of Grounded Icebergs (University of Southampton)

Job title

PhD in Impact of Grounded Icebergs.

Company

University of Southampton.

Description of the job

The University of Southampton is seeking a PhD researcher for a competition-funded project titled 'Impact of grounded icebergs on the oceanography and ecosystem of a sub-Antarctic island'. This opportunity is part of the IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award and involves a world-class collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI).

The project will use numerical modelling tools to investigate the impact of grounded icebergs on the physical oceanography of the South Georgia (Southern Ocean) shelf and explore the consequences for the transport of Antarctic krill, a key prey item for local colonies of higher predators. As the climate warms, the number of icebergs reaching South Georgia is likely to increase; this project addresses a pressing need to better understand the consequences for the local oceanography and ecosystem.

The successful candidate will be registered at the University of Southampton and hosted at the British Antarctic Survey, benefiting from a vibrant student community and comprehensive training.

Objectives and mission:

• Develop an existing high-resolution oceanographic model of the South Georgia region (NEMO) by incorporating grounded icebergs.
• Apply the model to explore the impacts of the icebergs on the local physical oceanography.
• Couple output from the oceanographic model with a Lagrangian model to explore the effect of grounded icebergs on the transport and retention of Antarctic krill.
• Spend a minimum of 3 months in the Falkland Islands at the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute.
• Participate in a research cruise and acquire field experience.

Requirements

• A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject.
• English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components.
• Interest in computational mathematics, physics, marine biology, or marine sciences.

Location

Southampton, United Kingdom.

Salary

Tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for the academic year 2025/26).

How to apply

All applications to the IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award should be submitted online. Candidates are strongly advised to contact the lead supervisor of the project to discuss the project and check suitability before submitting an application.

Deadline

08/01/2026.

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