Details
The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.
We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.
Various support and guidance on applying for an ACCE DTP studentship, including how to apply; what we’re looking for (including our assessment rubric); details of financial support, training, and placement opportunities available; and details of our recruitment process, can be found at accedtp.ac.uk, in the ‘prospective applicants’ tab.
Project Overview
The Arctic is the fastest warming region on Earth, with an increase in both the rate of warming and in the frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events, which has had a strong impact on Arctic vegetation. One such impact is the phenomena of Arctic Browning, the dieback of tundra vegetation, which is now considered one of the major regional disruptions in a rapidly changing Arctic landscape, driving complexity in Arctic vegetation change. Recent browning events have been attributed to extreme winter weather conditions such as winter warming and Rain-on-Snow. Pan Arctic studies suggest that up to 20% of vegetation may have been influenced by browning, however this value is uncertain, and the contribution of extreme events vs trend climate to this browning is unclear.
This PhD aims to improve understanding of the occurrence and drivers of browning, in order to improve prediction and mitigation of the impact of climate change on Arctic vegetation. To do this it will improve detection of Arctic browning trends and events by applying machine learning methodologies to the latest Earth Observation data (e.g. Sentinel 2AB/Landsat8/9/Cubesat). It will then use reanalysis and meteorological station data to identify the meteorological conditions leading to browning events. It will also identify which vegetation from which Arctic bioclimatic zones have been more prone to browning in the past. Building on this knowledge, it will use existing regional climate model simulations to provide Pan Arctic projections of the frequency and scale of events leading to browning. This will be the first Pan Arctic study exploring the extreme event drivers of Arctic Browning.
The project will suit a motivated graduate with expertise or interest in climate science. Skills in analysis of satellite observations, python programming and/or interest in plant ecology would be an advantage, although full training will be provided.
Essential Criteria
- Background in climate science
- Analysis and interpretation of climate data
- Quantitative and communication skills
Desirable Criteria
- Python programming
- Analysis of satellite data
- Knowledge of plant ecology
How to Apply
Notes and details of how to apply are available here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/phd-opportunities/
All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a cv and the contact details of 2 referees.
Informal enquiries may be made to [email protected]
Part-Time Study Options
All ACCE PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.
Project CASE Status
This project is not a CASE project. While individual applicant quality is our overriding criterion for selection, the ACCE DTP has a commitment for 40% of all studentships to be CASE funded - as such, CASE projects may be favoured in shortlisting applicants when candidates are otherwise deemed to be equal or a consensus on student quality cannot be reached. This will only be done as a last resort for separating candidates.
Funding Information
NERC ACCE DTP programme starts from October 2024.
UKRI provide the following funding for 3.5 years:
• Stipend (2023/24 UKRI rate £18,622)
• Tuition Fees at UK fee rate (2023/24 rate £4,712)
• Research support and training grant (RTSG)
Note - UKRI funding only covers UK (Home) fees. The DTP partners have various schemes which allow international students to join the DTP but only be required to pay home fees. Home fees are already covered in the UKRI funding, meaning that successful international candidates do not need to find any additional funding for fees.