Opportunities for study and research in geophysical fluid dynamics
at the University of Leeds

Taught modules as part of degree programmes at Leeds

If you are a maths undergraduate at Leeds, then take a look at this document, which describes the key modules for those interested in environmental fluid dynamics. Some of these modules (e.g., Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (SOEE 2210)) are taught by the School of Earth and Environment. Within the School of Mathematics, the main offerings are

• Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, MATH3458, which runs during semester 2 (typically) every other year.
• Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, MATH5458M, which runs during semester 2 (typically) every other year.
• Project in Mathematics: MATH3001, MATH5003M, or MATH5004M. Further details of projects that I will be supervising can be found here. Others members of the Astrophysical and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics research group may also offer projects of interest.

Summer research bursaries for undergraduates

There are various sources of funding for undergraduates wishing to undertake short research projects over the summer.

• London Mathematical Society/Nuffield Foundation undergraduate research bursaries in science. The deadline for applications is usually in early February.
• School of Maths summer vacation bursaries. Students enrolled on a maths degree at the University of Leeds should receive an e-mail regarding this scheme.
• NERC Research Experience Placements may be available within the School of Maths. These are administered through the Leeds NERC DTP.

Within the School of Mathematics, you could contact me if you are interested in applying for such a project on some aspect of atmosphere-ocean fluid dynamics.

PhD in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

There are opportunities for talented and motivated students to undertake PhD research in geophysical fluid dynamics. If you might be interested in this, then please send me an e-mail, perhaps to arrange an informal discussion.

Such study either falls under the general remit of (i) PhD study in Applied Mathematics, the procedures for which are described on the postgraduate study pages of the School of Mathematics; (ii) PhD study as part of the University of Leeds NERC Doctoral Training Programme; or (iii) PhD study as part of the University of Leeds EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fluid Dynamics.

Postdoctoral research in geophysical fluid dynamics

I am always keen to hear from young scientists who wish to undertake postdoctoral research in geophysical fluid dynamics. Although I have no dedicated funding for such study at present, it is possible to apply for a dedicated research fellowship, which can be matched to your research interests and those of the group here in Leeds. Such opportunities include funding from the European Union (via the Marie Curie European Fellowship Scheme, with an application deadline of 14th September 2022), or from the UK research councils of EPSRC and NERC. Possible project areas include instabilities in rotating stratified shear flows, nonlinear internal waves, large-scale tidal modelling, and internal tide generation and propagation -- or perhaps you can think of something more interesting. Since these fellowship applications take months to process, it is best to be making applications up to a year before your current position finishes.