U.K. nationals: The impact of the glacial biome on Arctic freshwater ecosystems - PhD

Supervisors

• Dr Imke Grefe
• Dr Peter Wynn
• Professor Jacob Yde
• Dr Rupert Perkins

Project Description

Proglacial lakes and streams are crucial links between the cryosphere and the ocean, as well as hotspots of biogeochemical activity. These freshwater systems deliver nitrogen, an essential nutrient, to the coastal ocean, but they also actively change the concentration and bioavailability of this element with consequences for water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem health. Some algae, bacteria and archaea are adapted to thrive in glacial environments on snow and ice surfaces. However, not much is known about the ability of these organisms to remove or provide bioavailable nitrogen which can be supplied through meltwater to freshwater systems. Furthermore, the glacial biome can seed the microbial community in proglacial lakes and streams, thereby controlling ecosystem services and nitrogen delivery to the coastal ocean in a rapidly warming world.

This project aims to understand the impact of the glacial biome on nitrogen availability to downstream ecosystems by identifying functional communities through analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) in ice, snow, and water samples. Furthermore, geochemical methods, including cutting-edge stable isotope methods, will unravel nitrogen concentration, speciation, and the predominant biogeochemical processes in the Arctic ecosystem.

You will be part of an international, interdisciplinary team at Lancaster University, with co-supervisors based in Cardiff, UK and Sogndal, Norway. You will analyse previously collected samples from Norway and Svalbard, as well as visit Professor Yde in Norway for additional fieldwork at Jostedalsbreen ice cap. Additional fieldwork opportunities in Norway and the High Arctic will be explored during the course of the project.

General eligibility criteria

Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background.

English language requirements for overseas students can be found on our English language requirements for postgraduate applicant’s webpage.

Project specific criteria

We invite enthusiastic, curious, and self-driven applicants from a wide range of relevant backgrounds, you do not have to be an expert in glacier or freshwater environments! Suitable backgrounds could include a degree in Environmental Science, Glaciology, Marine or Freshwater Biogeochemistry, Ecology, Microbiology, Geography, Biology or Chemistry. You should have a strong interest in aquatic biogeochemistry, in particular nutrient cycling. Some experience working in biology or chemistry laboratories is of advantage, as well as an enthusiasm for fieldwork.

Studentship funding

Full studentships available for UK nationals, settled and pre-settled EU nationals, applicants with indefinite leave to remain or enter (UK tuition fees and stipend (£17,688 2022/23 [tax free])) for UK-home students for 3.5 years.

As part of the funding, the successful candidate will support teaching activities at Lancaster University’s partner campus in China for short durations.

Enquiries

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr Imke Grefe (i.grefe@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.

Dates

• Deadline for applications: 7^th August 2023 12:00
• Provisional Interview Date: Week commencing 14^th August
• Start Date: January 2024

Application process

1. Download the LEC Funded PhD Application Form andLEC Funded PhD Reference Form‌.
2. Complete the Application Form, renaming the document with your ‘Name and Application Form’ e.g., Joe Bloggs Application Form.
3. Submit the completed Application Form and a CV to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
4. Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted.
5. Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
6. Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
7. You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
8. Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
9. Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
10. Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.

Submit all applications and references to this email address: lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk