PDRA in Speleothem Modelling

The University of Reading is collaborating on a NERC funded project led by the University of Northumbria "When and Why does it Rain in the Desert" and is responsible for the modelling component of this project. We are seeking to recruit a PDRA in Speleothem Modelling to work on this project and they will be responsible for developing and applying a forward model of the controls on speleothem isotopes to understand how past climate and environmental changes affect the isotope record. They will also be responsible for investigating plausible climate scenarios to explain observed changes in isotopic composition through time, through analysis of climate model outputs and data assimilation techniques. The PDRA will be involved in the design and analysis of model experiments to test explicit hypotheses about the isotopic response to environmental and climate change in the past. The postholder will be based in Reading and will be part of a team of early career palaeoclimate scientists there.

The post is for a fixed-term period of 15 months but may be extended subject to funding.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD in a relevant subject by the start date of the appointment
• Experience of working with and interpreting speleothem isotope records
• Experience of analysing palaeoclimate simulations
• Database skills (ACCESS, mySQL)
• Good programming skills (r, Fortran, Python)
• Familiarity of statistical approaches to palaeodata analysis, including time series and geostatistics
• Previous research experience and publication record
• Ability to use own initiative and plan, manage and prioritise workload effectively to meet varied and strict project delivery deadlines

Interviews will be held in April 2023, with the expectation that the appointment will start as soon as possible thereafter.

Informal contact details

Contact role: Supervisor
Contact name: Sandy P. Harrison
Contact phone: +44 (0)118 378 5258
Contact email: s.p.harrison@reading.ac.uk

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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