Post-doctoral Research Associate in Oceanography/ Glaciology

September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter Fixed Term: 17 Months Part time will be considered

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on the project ‘Fjord Dynamics and Modulation of Ice/Ocean Exchange (FjordMIX)’ funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The FjordMIX project seeks to advance our understanding of the influence of fjord processes on the interaction of the Greenland Ice Sheet with the ocean through the development of a novel fjord-modelling framework and its application on an ice-sheet wide scale.

In the first phase of the project we have successfully developed a new reduced-physics fjord model (‘FjordRPM’), and we are now at an exciting stage where we are looking to use this to explore questions around the interaction between the Greenland Ice Sheet and the ocean. The PDRA will play a core role in designing and undertaking this research, which could have more of an oceanographic or glaciological focus depending on the interests of the appointee. Possible topics include (but are not limited to) using the model to assess the relative role of different circulation processes across Greenland’s fjords, evaluating the extent to which these fjord processes help to explain observed tidewater glacier retreat, or exploring the impact of fjord waters on regional ocean circulation. The PDRA will be expected to contribute to ongoing testing and development of the model as part of this research.

Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in a relevant area such as physical oceanography, glaciology or climate dynamics, including experience of working with numerical models. The post is initially available for a period of 17 months. The intended start date is September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

This PDRA will be based in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews, within the Environmental Change Research Group. Through FjordMIX, the PDRA will work closely with a network of researchers, including project leads Dr Tom Cowton (University of St Andrews), Dr Donald Slater (University of Edinburgh) and Prof Mark Inall (SAMS) and an international team of project partners. Funds are available for the PDRA to visit an international partner institute, as well as to attend conferences and project meetings. For further information and to informally discuss the position, please contact Tom Cowton (tom.cowton@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Donald Slater (donald.slater@ed.ac.uk).

International applications are welcome. Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University. The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through our working on diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters, and Stonewall). Full details available online: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi. The School of Geography and Sustainable Development holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. More information can be found at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/geography-sustainable-development/equality-diversity/.

Interview Date: August 2025

Closing Date: 30 June 2025

Please quote ref: AR2680LS

Further Particulars: AR2680LSFPs.pdf

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