Investigating past North Atlantic Subpolar gyre tipping points to improve Early Warning Systems

Are you passionate about climate science and eager to study past ocean changes to transform our ability to predict and prepare for future climate tipping points? We are seeking for a highly motivated candidate to join an ambitious project investigating past climate tipping points.

For this PhD, you will work directly with world-leading experts focusing on generating ground-breaking new palaeoceanographic data from North Atlantic marine sediment cores to understand the forcings and the mechanisms of interglacial abrupt changes in the Subpolar Gyre circulation.

This PhD studentship is part of VERIFY: Out Of Sample Testing For Early Warning Systems Using Past Climate, a major research initiative funded by ARIA (Advanced Research + Invention Agency) that aims to use past data to develop early warning systems for critical climate tipping points. The fully funded 3.5-year scholarship is available in the Geography Department at Durham University to begin the 1st of October 2025.

Scientific Background and Objectives: The North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre (SPG) is a key component of our climate system that may be approaching a tipping point. Understanding how the SPG has changed in the past is crucial for predicting future changes. This project aims to create unprecedented high-resolution interglacial records of past SPG changes, targeting intervals such as the Historical (1750-Present), 8.2kyr event, and interglacial periods. You will use state-of the art geochemical and micropaleontological techniques to extract information from exceptional marine sediment cores located in the subpolar North Atlantic. You will generate unprecedented high-resolution records of upper ocean temperatures, salinities, water mass properties, ocean current speeds which will then be used to identify state shifts in the SPG system. During this PhD project, you will closely work with climate modellers to identify and target new locations and oceanographic indicators as key predictors of impending tipping points.

Training and Development: During the project you will receive comprehensive training in the use and application of advanced marine palaeoceanographic techniques including micropaleontological and geochemical analysis, as well as proxy development and their interpretation. Training on the data analysis and statistical methods will also be provided. The successful candidate will join a cohort of 7 PhD students across the VERIFY project which will benefit from regular peer-to-peer training events, specialised workshops and seminars, interdisciplinary supervision and networking opportunities with leading scientists.

Candidate Profile: We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a first or upper second-class honours degree in Earth Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Physical Geography, Environmental Sciences or a related field. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm for laboratory work and data analysis, excellent communication abilities and motivation to work as part of a truly interdisciplinary team. Familiarity and experience with palaeoceanographic/paleoclimate research using sediment cores would be advantageous. We value diverse perspectives and experiences in our research team. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and welcome applications from mature students and those currently working outside academia.

The Research Environment: You will be based in the Geography Department at Durham University and will work under the primary supervision of Dr Paola Moffa-Sanchez. You will benefit from access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities and integration into Durham’s vibrant Geography Department and its Sea Level, Ice and Climate Research Group. The project will benefit from collaboration with international partners and regular interaction with the paleoclimate VERIFY team which will include climate and theoretical ocean modellers and ice-core scientists, and the broader multidisciplinary VERIFY project team which will include social scientists and statisticians. You will also benefit from involvement in the broader research programme, which seeks to build an early warning system capable of providing the information, understanding and time we need to accelerate proactive climate adaptation and mitigation.

Funding details: The PhD is fully funded and open to UK applicants and covers tuition fees and a maintenance stipend for 3.5 years (stipend currently £20,780 in 2025/2026 per year). There is funding to support research travel, training, and conferences. 

How to Apply: Please submit the following documents to pg.geogadmin@durham.ac.uk with the reference “VERIFY-PhD”:

1)   a current CV

2)   a cover letter (2 pages A4 max) which describes your motivation for applying and your previous research experience;

3)   Letters from two references (which can be sent directly to pg.geogadmin@durham.ac.uk by referees)

4)Transcripts of previous qualifications. 

The deadline for applications is 31^st of March 2025 23:59.

For more information about the project or position please contact Dr Paola Moffa-Sanchez (paola.l.moffa-sanchez@durham.ac.uk).