Post-doctoral Research Associate in Venus Global Climate Modelling

Terms: Full Time, Fixed Term contract for 36 Months

Closing Date: 12:00 midday on 24th February 2023

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role

This post is funded through STFC Consolidated Grant funding to develop and perform experiments with a Venus Global Climate Model in preparation for future missions.

The role is an exciting combination of numerical modelling to simulate global climate environment of the atmosphere of Venus, and comparison to spacecraft observation data.  Our aim is to develop a new climate model of Venus to identify the most likely cause of the observed sporadic high-altitude occurrences of atmospheric sulfur species and determine the likelihood of a direct link to surface geological activity.  This work is to be performed in preparation of several high-profile missions to Venus in the 2030s, from both NASA and ESA. 

The role holder will join the Atmospheric Research and Surface Exploration group within the School of Physical Sciences, making use of the group’s high-performance computing facility based in the STEM Faculty.

Skills and Experience

You will have a PhD in atmospheric physics or a closely related field, with knowledge and experience of numerical modelling of planetary atmospheres or another relevant theoretical-based field. You will be able to work in and coordinate a team working at different institutions and communicate research results effectively.

Appointment to Research Associate will be made subject to experience and qualifications and salary scale offered accordingly.

The full summary of duties and person specification can be found within the Job Description.

If you would like to discuss the scientific aspects of this role before applying, please email manish.patel@open.ac.uk.

If you would like to discuss the application or recruitment process before making an application, please contact Alicja Hyla at Resourcing Hub on 01908 332778 or alicja.hyla@open.ac.uk quoting the reference VRF 20724. 

What you get in return

Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 33 days holiday per annum pro rata plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days and an attractive pension proposition.

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