PhD position: Dynamics and climatic imprint of the early Antarctic Circumpolar Current (1.0 FTE)

The Cenozoic greenhouse-to-icehouse transition is characterised by the appearance of Antarctic ice sheets at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, followed by variable ice sheets and final stabilisation during the Mid-Miocene transition. The concurrent emergence of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is suggested to be a crucial aspect in Antarctic ice sheet development, but its exact role is still debated. 

Information about past climate conditions mostly comes from marine microfossil biogeography combined with climate modelling. Interpretation of the fossil archives is, however, not straightforward, as the biogeographic distribution of these species depends on many factors, notably local oceanographic conditions and transport by ocean currents and mesoscale features, which are not well-represented in most palaeoclimate model simulations. The successful candidate will carry out Earth System model simulations using newly generated continental geometries of the Oligocene and Miocene times, when the Antarctic circumpolar current has developed. The climate model simulations will be combined with eddy-permitting ocean model simulations and Lagrangian particle tracking techniques to advance the interpretation of fossil archives of these time periods.The work will be carried out within the Palaeoclimate Dynamics group which is part of the Ocean circulation and Climate theme within IMAU.

MSc degree in Physics, Mathematics or Geosciences. Particular interest and strong background in ocean or earth system dynamics and its numerical modelling.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Science consists of six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information and Computing Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Faculty is home to 5600 students and nearly 1500 staff and is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Faculty's academic programmes reflect developments in today's society.

The Institute for Marine and Atmospheric research Utrecht (IMAU) is an interfaculty research institute that focuses on the fundamental aspects of the climate system. Research is organized in five main themes: atmospheric physics and chemistry, atmospheric dynamics and boundary layer meteorology, ice and climate, ocean circulation and climate and coastal and shelf sea dynamics. The IMAU includes some 15 faculty members, 15 postdocs and 25 PhD students. The graduate programme is organized in the Buys Ballot research school.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from Dr Anna von der Heydt, A.S.vonderHeydt@uu.nl. For more information about the Institute for Marine and Atmospheric research Utrecht, please visit the IMAU website.

Sending your applications:
To apply please attach a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, copies of university and high-school degrees (including grades) and (email) addresses of two referees.
Application deadline is 22 June 2017
To apply, please click the application button below.