Marine ecosystems result from the interaction between physical and biogeochemical processes acting across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. The cascade from mesoscale circulation to submesoscale dynamics plays a key role in controlling nutrient fluxes, primary production and the development of trophic structures, affecting feeding habitats and biodiversity patterns.
Climate change is expected to modify circulation, stratification and nutrient availability, potentially altering these cross-scale interactions and their ecological consequences. However, the links between physical variability, biogeochemical processes and ecosystem responses are still not fully understood.
This PhD aims to investigate how climate variability and future scenarios affect coupled physical–biogeochemical dynamics and trophic structure, with a focus on the propagation of variability across scales.
The work will combine high-resolution coupled models, data assimilation, and satellite and in situ observations, including HF radar, gliders (traditional and wave gliders) for frontal dynamics, passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals (hydrophones, in collaboration with the University of Toulon), and drone-based observations with institutional partners.
The north-western Mediterranean Sea, including the Pelagos Sanctuary, will be used as a case study to explore the feasibility of feeding habitat forecasting for target species.

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The candidate should have a background in environmental physics, environmental sciences or related disciplines, with a solid understanding of physical and biogeochemical processes. Good experience in ocean modelling and skills in programming (e.g. Python or MATLAB) and data analysis are desirable. Experience with environmental data (satellite and in situ) and willingness to work with observational tools and to contribute to the design and adaptation of measurement campaigns are considered assets. The candidate should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, with good communication skills. English is required.

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The PhD will be carried out within the national doctoral programme, with scientific support from CNR-ISMAR (Florence), where the candidate will be embedded in a multidisciplinary team working on coastal and marine processes. The team integrates physical–biogeochemical modelling, ocean observations (HF radar, gliders, in situ platforms) and data analysis, in collaboration with the LaMMA Consortium. The research will benefit from national interactions with OGS, Universities of Pisa, Siena and Genoa, ARPAT, ARPAL, Fondazione CIMA and the Coast Guard, and from international collaborations with MIO (Marseille), University of Toulon and IFREMER.

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