Evaluating reanalysis and satellite estimates of snowfall over East Antarctica using surface observations.

About the research project

Precipitation variability is the primary driver of Antarctic surface mass balance (SMB) variability. In East Antarctica, however, sparse and short observational records, particularly ground-based measurements of temperature, pressure, wind, and precipitation, mean that assessments of past, present, and future SMB change rely heavily on remote sensing and reanalysis products. The lack of independent observations for validation creates substantial uncertainty in estimates of Antarctic precipitation and its response to climate change, with implications for projections of ice-sheet mass balance and the wider climate system.

This project will leverage a largely under-utilised network of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) observations collected by the Australian Antarctic Program over the past ~50 years across East Antarctica. The AWS network provides a unique opportunity to evaluate how well satellite and reanalysis products represent surface meteorological conditions and precipitation-related processes. Although extensive, the AWS record is discontinuous in space and time, reflecting changing station deployments and operational priorities. Furthermore, the dataset remains incompletely quality controlled and is not widely accessible to the Antarctic research community, limiting its use for model evaluation and product validation.

The project will identify and compile the most valuable AWS records, undertake quality control and analysis, and assess their utility for validating remote sensing and reanalysis products. Outcomes will help identify priority regions for future AWS deployments and support improved representation of Antarctic precipitation and surface processes in climate and Earth system models such as ACCESS.

Objective 1: Compile a quality-controlled spatial database of AWS observations and identify observational trends in temperature, pressure, wind, and precipitation that can constrain remote-sensing products.

Objective 2: Evaluate the ability of reanalysis products to capture observed means, trends, variability, and episodic events recorded by the AWS network.

Objective 3: Assess the potential for AWS observations to support calibration and validation of precipitation estimates from EarthCARE, PACE, and the historical CloudSat 2C-SNOW-PROFILE product.

This project will include an internship with the Australian Antarctic Division and travel to domestic and international conferences, and/or specific workshops relevant to the project and supervisory team. In addition, there may be the possibility to apply for polar fieldwork experience.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Tessa Vance

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

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to be trained in freezer laboratory techniques and chemistry analysis. This experience will enable the candidate to particpate in a small pool of research students (from within Tessa vance's group) who can access paid research assistant casual work in the IMAS freezer laboratories. There is significant scope for supplementing their living allowance with this work, whilst simultaneously learning valuable laboratory skills that will significantly broaden their professional development during their HDR project.

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:

• English language score must be at or above minimum entry requirements for this project

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 analytical skills, especially with scientific analysis/programming software (e.g., Python)
• Geophysical and/or climate science background
• Strong English written and oral communication skills

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with atmospheric reanalyses, satellite datasets and/or model outputs

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Tessa Vance 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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