Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Associate

As climate change accelerates and society fails to take urgent action, Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) is increasingly being discussed as a potential emergency response to reduce climate risks. However, the potential for SRM to cause harm—possibly greater than the benefits it offers—makes it imperative that we undertake careful, objective analysis of its possible impacts. This analysis must be grounded in cutting-edge Earth System modelling.

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow (up to three years) to investigate the potential impacts of Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) using a state-of-the-art Earth system models(UKESM). We are looking for someone experienced in analysing output from large, complex climate models or Earth system datasets, and who is experienced in or keen to develop skills in designing and running novel climate model simulations—with the support of a world-leading team.

You will work closely with colleagues at the University of Exeter, the Met Office Hadley Centre, UK and international partners. The role will focus on evaluating how different SRM strategies and deployment scenarios affect key aspects of the Earth System, such as ENSO, AMOC, sea ice, marine ecosystems, rainforests and crops. While prior expertise in all of these areas is not expected, you should have the ability to think clearly and logically through complex, interconnected systems and to develop a strong understanding of new components as needed.

This position is funded by NERC under the MACLOUD project, supervised by Prof Jim Haywood and Prof Paul Halloran.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in shaping scientific understanding—and policy decisions—on one of the most controversial and high-stakes topics in climate science.

Grade F: You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in a quantitative scientific field (e.g. climate science, meteorology, physics, maths, or computer science), be a nationally recognised authority in areas of climate or Earth system research, and have the ability to lead or contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations. You must have proven abilities in the analysis of large, complex environment datasets and/or model output. Experience with UKESM1 or similar models, advanced data analysis and machine learning, would be advantageous.

Grade E: You will be near completion of a relevant PhD or have equivalent research experience, and be able to demonstrate strong analytical skills and a sound grasp of climate processes. You should be motivated to engage with new modelling tools and scientific challenges, with support from the project team.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce. 

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

- 39 days leave per year
- options for flexible working
- numerous discounts at leading retailers
- onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
- sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
- stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

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