PhD position: polar- connection: ice sheet controls subtropical hydroclimate

PhD position:
The polar‑tropical climate connection: ice sheet controls on subtropical hydroclimate

Employer: Northumbria University
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Sector: Academic
Type: Full time
Level: Student / Graduate / Internship
Salary: £20,780 per year
Preferred Education: Master
Final date to receive applications: 7 January 2026
Posted: 11 December 2025

This PhD is part of the Net Zero Polar Science DTP, which aims to make polar science possible in a net‑zero world. For further details visit

• Dr Monika Markowska (Lead), Northumbria University
• Dr Julia Tindall, Leeds University
• Dr Hubert
  
  B. Vonhof, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry
• Dr Samuel L. Nicholson, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

• Conduct systematic isotope‑enabled model simulations with varying polar ice extent to quantify cryospheric controls on subtropical precipitation
• Conduct attribution analyses to identify northern hemisphere glaciation controls on atmospheric circulation
• Validate model simulations through integrated paleo climate proxy data–model comparison
• Net Zero Case Study:
  Develop computational efficiency framework comparing carbon emissions across models and HPC facilities

Isotope‑enabled HadCM3 coupled atmosphere–ocean GCM with systematic sensitivity experiments varying ice sheet extent, orbital parameters, atmospheric CO₂, and Antarctic ice‑sheet collapse. Statistical climate emulators – simplified approximations of the full model – trained on strategic simulations to efficiently explore numerous ice sheet and orbital configurations. Direct proxy–model validation through quantitative comparison of model predictions with ancient precipitation waters preserved in cave formations.

Hands‑on experience at Max Planck Institute for Chemistry developing proxy reconstructions using mass spectrometry. Field expeditions to Crete supported by PI’s Royal Society project. Potential placements at Alfred Wegener Institute gaining experience with different climate models (AWI‑ESM2‑WISO).

Suitable for students with backgrounds in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Physics, Geography, Mathematics, or related fields. Essential: interest in climate dynamics, basic programming or willingness to learn. Desirable: experience with data analysis (particularly R statistical software package), numerical methods, or track record in climate science research.

For entry to PhD study, applicants are expected to have at least one of the following:

• a first or upper second (2:1) class honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or an equivalent international qualification
• a relevant master’s qualification or equivalent evidence of prior professional practice

International applicants and candidates from non‑English speaking countries will need to meet the minimum language requirements for admission onto the programme of study for their Home institution.

To apply for a NZPS DTP studentship, please follow the guidance on the NZPS application process webpage.

Informal enquiries about the project and your application should be addressed to the project supervisor, Dr Monika Markowska – monika

After you have discussed your application with the project supervisor and read the NZPS application guidance, you should:

• Complete the online NZPS Application Form by 17.00 GMT 7 January 2026.
• Submit any additional application documents in the requested format to  by the closing date.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at