Sources of iron to the Southern Ocean: Insights from thorium Isotopes

About the research project

The Southern Ocean plays a major role in regulating Earth's climate and supporting marine ecosystems, but biological productivity across much of the region is limited by the availability of iron. Iron enters the ocean from a range of sources, including wind-blown dust, continental shelf sediments, glaciers, and icebergs. Determining how much iron is supplied by these different sources is essential for understanding marine productivity, carbon uptake, and how the Southern Ocean may respond to future environmental change.

This PhD project will use naturally occurring thorium isotopes to quantify lithogenic inputs to the Southern Ocean. Lithogenic material originates from the Earth's crust and is an important source of iron and other micronutrients. Thorium isotopes are powerful tracers because they can be used to identify and quantify the delivery of lithogenic material from multiple sources, including atmospheric dust, sediment resuspension, and glacial inputs. The project will help address a major uncertainty in Southern Ocean biogeochemistry by providing improved estimates of the sources and magnitude of iron supply.

The successful candidate will work with seawater and particle samples collected through major Australian Southern Ocean research programs. There is scope to focus on a range of research themes, including dust deposition, sedimentary inputs, Antarctic glacial influences, or the links between micronutrient supply and biological productivity. The project may also incorporate comparisons with oceanographic and biogeochemical models to improve understanding of present-day and future nutrient supply.

The project is based at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, within a world-leading community of Antarctic and Southern Ocean researchers. The candidate will work closely with experts in chemical oceanography, isotope geochemistry, trace metal biogeochemistry, and Antarctic science, and will have opportunities to collaborate with national and international research partners associated with major Southern Ocean observing and research initiatives.

Students will receive training in isotope geochemistry, laboratory techniques, analytical instrumentation, data analysis, and scientific communication. Additional opportunities may include participation in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research voyages, attendance at national and international conferences, and engagement with Australia's Antarctic science community. The project offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to understanding how micronutrient supply influences one of Earth's most important marine ecosystems.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Zanna Chase

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania 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

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.

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:

• Prior lab experience is critical for this project

 

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with isotope geochemistry and trace metal clean techniques

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Zanna Chase 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 October 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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