Research Scientist

Job Details

Closing date: 23:59 on 20th May 2025.

Applicants should note that, depending on the SOC code for this role, sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route (SWR) may be possible. Candidates wishing to apply for SWR sponsorship must ensure they meet the points requirement. More information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

Position Overview

We seek a talented post-doctoral scientist to develop innovative methods to represent and evaluate climate tipping points in a leading Earth system model. This research is part of the PROMOTE project (Progressing Earth System Modelling for Tipping Point Early Warning Systems) within the broader Forecasting Tipping Points research programme. The position will be based at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, Department of Meteorology.

This research focuses on the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre and the Greenland Ice Sheet. Since tipping of these systems has not been observed in the instrumental record, and existing models rarely simulate tipping, your work will involve developing methods to simulate tipping more efficiently in the UK Earth System Model ( UKESM ). You will also evaluate the plausibility of simulated tipping behaviors and assess the meteorological impacts of tipping.

Candidate Requirements

• PhD or equivalent research experience in mathematical, physical, or Earth System sciences, or expected shortly to receive one.
• Strong scientific analytical ability, creativity, and self-motivation.
• Experience working with weather/climate models and/or their output, or similar models and data.
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external project members.

Additional Information

Candidates must be based in Reading for the entire duration of the 4-year contract, which starts as soon as possible.

We will soon advertise another position with similar skills in this project ('PROMOTE WP3').

Interviews are scheduled for early June; the exact date will be confirmed.

Contacts

Primary Contact: Dr Reinhard Schiemann, Associate Professor
Email:

Alternative Contact: Dr Andrea Dittus, Senior Research Scientist
Email:

Additional Notes

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. The role may be considered on a seconded basis for current staff, subject to discussion with their line manager.

The University promotes diversity and inclusion, supports the Athena SWAN Charter and Race Equality Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job sharing, part-time, and flexible arrangements are encouraged and will be considered based on operational needs.