MSc / PhD Student Opportunity in Ocean Particle Dynamics at University of Victoria, BC, Canada
We seek a motivated MSc or PhD student to join the Ocean Gases Lab to study the relationship between marine productivity rates and particle fluxes deeper in the water column. This position is based at the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria in beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada starting in fall 2026 or earlier. Our main datasets come from biogeochemical sensors deployed on profiling floats (https://argo.ucsd.edu) and gliders (https://cproof.uvic.ca/). The student will apply techniques to derive particle fluxes from backscatter, converting the backscattering coefficient to separate large particles, small particles, and instrument noise. The real innovation in this work will come in marrying the surface mass balance techniques that other students in the group are focused on or satellite productivity datasets with these optical techniques of how deeply particles sink. Marine production of organic matter transforms carbon dioxide to organic carbon, some of which sinks to the deep ocean where it can be sequestered away from the atmosphere for many years. How deeply the carbon packaged as particles sinks, and the factors controlling that depth, are crucial to how long the carbon is sequestered for. This position is for a student who will advance the quantification and interpretation of particle sinking from optical backscatter data collected mainly in the subarctic NE Pacific as part of the Argo Canada and C-PROOF programs.
Prospective students must have the ability to program and perform detailed computational analyses, to think logically, and to work independently. We are looking for a student who is bright and self-motivated with good communication skills. A background in ocean sciences, experience in analysis of large datasets, and familiarity with programming and scientific analysis software such as Python or MATLAB are all strong assets. This position is partially funded through the Pacific Rim Ocean Data Mobilization and Technology (PRODIGY) program (https://eoas-prodigy-2021.sites.olt.ubc.ca/) providing students with enhanced training and networking opportunities.
For further information, contact Dr. Roberta Hamme at . Most international students should take the GRE and may need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB.