PhD Opportunity - UNSW Climate Change Research Centre

The UNSW Climate Change Research Centre offers a PhD scholarship focusing on the Southern Ocean's dynamics and its climate role. The project involves theoretical and observational approaches to improve climate models. Candidates should have a strong academic background in physics or mathematics. The scholarship lasts for 3 years with a possibility of extension. International applicants are welcome but must apply for a separate scholarship.
PhD Opportunity - UNSW Climate Change Research Centre

UNSW Climate Change Research Centre, Sydney Australia
$23,860 (plus $5,000 top up) AUD per year, tax-free

Applications are invited for a high-level PhD scholarship to work on a project investigating poorly understood physics related to the dynamics of the Southern Ocean circulation and its role in the climate system. The aims of the study are:
• To develop a process-based understanding of eddy mixing focusing on jet-topography interactions through a combined theoretical and observational approach.
• To implement this understanding by assessing and potentially improving the representation of these effects in state-of-the-art climate models.

The project will involve the design and implementation of experiments with a numerical model of the interaction of an idealised Southern Ocean circulation with topography, and the analysis of a variety of observations of Southern Ocean circulation to motivate these experiments and test the relevance of the understanding derived from them. There is the opportunity to apply this understanding to the task of climate model evaluation and improvement.

The PhD scholarship is tenable for a period of 3 years + 6 months extension (if granted), with the successful candidate able to shape a project to match their background, interests, and expertise. Applicants should have a strong academic track record including an upper-level Honours Class I or equivalent. Honours graduates with a strong academic track record in physics and/or mathematics are particularly encouraged to apply. International students are also encouraged but must additionally apply for a UNSW International Research Scholarship, the deadline for which is 31 August 2012. Successful applicants who obtain an APA scholarship in either the current or future rounds may be awarded a top-up award with additional funds then available for project and travel support.

Applicants should send a full academic transcript, a short CV, and an expression of interest to Bronwen Smith via .

Further details of the CCRC, its research activities, and staff can be viewed at .