Postdoctoral Research Assistant (Aviation Non-CO2)

Full Time, Fixed Term Contract for 34 months

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 13th February 2026

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Atmospheric Composition, Radiation and Climate research group of the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. The post is available from the 1st of April 2026 for a fixed-term period of 34 months

This position is in the context of the non-CO2 effects of aviation on climate, which are an extremely active topic of research in academia and the aviation industry and are the subject of much attention by European policymakers. The position is part of the Horizon Europe project Understanding Non-CO2 Impact for deCarbonized aviation (UNIC), led by the French aerospace laboratory ONERA with partners across Europe, aims at improving understanding of those non-CO2 effects with novel measurements of non-CO2 emissions and modelling of atmospheric chemistry and aerosol-cloud interactions.

The successful candidate will work within UNIC to improve knowledge of the interactions between particulate matter emitted by aircraft engines and natural cirrus clouds, hours to days after the emission. You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in climate science, meteorology or related fields. Ideally, you will also have strong expertise in using numerical models to simulate aerosol-cloud interactions. Experience of Large Eddy Modelling will be an advantage but is not a requirement.

You will have:

• Experience of numerical models of the atmosphere for research purposes.
• An excellent knowledge of atmospheric physics.
• A strong experience in a scientific computing and data visualisation language.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team towards the project objectives.

The successful candidate will collaborate with project partners to develop innovative research of international standing. Results will be presented at project meetings and international conferences and published in leading journals.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 23 February 2026. The interview will consist in a discussion between you and the panel and will include opportunities to answer questions you may have about the position.

For more information, please contact:

Contact Name: Nicolas Bellouin
Contact Job Title: Professor of Climate Processes
Contact Email address: n.bellouin@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). 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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