Ice sheet elevation change from space

About the research project

This project will develop new datasets of the elevation change of some of the most sensitive parts of the Antarctic Ice Sheet to climate change.

Using raw satellite altimetry data since 1992 the project focuses on building a new record of ice sheet elevation change, covering fast-flowing ice streams and ice shelves. The project will focus on Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers in West Antarctica, which are rapidly changing, and the emerging roles of Totten and Denman glaciers in East Antarctica.

The project will have a particular focus on the decadal variability of ice elevation as a way of understanding the sensitivity of these glaciers to climate variability and change. From these time series of observed ice elevation, we will work to separate the two major drivers of variability – variation in snowfall and variation in dynamic mass loss.

The project will produce new insights into the sensitivity of Antarctica's most prominent glaciers and yield new datasets that will be widely used to understand anthropogenic climate change and the natural climate-driven variability of Antarctica's most sensitive regions. The project will enable the candidate to develop skills in spaceborne research, data analysis, code development, and written and oral communication.

This exciting PhD project is part of a larger Australian Research Council project, with a team of ~10 researchers involved, including another PhD student and a postdoctoral researcher working closely together. It allows a candidate to work on a pressing societal problem and involves collaborations with leading glaciologists and geodesists in Australia and the USA.

Background reading:

King, M. A., & Christoffersen, P. (2024). Major modes of climate variability dominate nonlinear Antarctic ice-sheet elevation changes 2002–2020. Geophysical Research Letters, 51, e2024GL108844. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL108844

Paolo, F. S., Gardner, A. S., Greene, C. A., Nilsson, J., Schodlok, M. P., Schlegel, N.-J., and Fricker, H. A.: Widespread slowdown in thinning rates of West Antarctic ice shelves, The Cryosphere, 17, 3409–3433, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-3409-2023, 2023.

Alternate location

the project involves a collaborative visit of a few weeks to the USA.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Matt King

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by ARC of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a Top-up top-up scholarship of $2,500 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from Matt King’s ARA .

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
• A first-class honours (or equivalent Masters by research) degree, or equivalent experience.
• Domestic applicants are especially encouraged to apply, although highly-qualified applications from overseas candidates are also welcome.
• A passion for Antarctica, polar regions and Earth's climate.
• Good communication skills, demonstrated by the production of a thesis or published manuscript, or an interview. For those with English as an additional language, success in a PhD requires a high level of English across all domains, such as indicated by IELTS >=7.0.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Strong quantitative background (e.g., maths, physics, stats, engineering)
• Experience of coding, ideally in python

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Background in glaciology, climate, or polar science
• Background in remote sensing or geodesy

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Matt King to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 August 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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