Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ice Sheets and Climate Modelling (2 posts)

We have an exciting opportunity for two postdoctoral researchers in climate and ice sheet modelling to join our Ocean Science research group at the University of Liverpool. Prof. Tony Payne’s research focusses on the development and application of ice-sheet models, in particular their coupling with Earth system models (ESMs).

These posts are linked to three projects with complimentary aims. These are the Horizon Europe projects OptimESM and TIPESM, and the Heising-Simons Foundation’s project ISMIP7. The primary goal of OptimESM is to develop the next generation of ESMs to deliver long-term projections that can be used to assess the risk of abrupt change at various levels of global warming. TIPESM has the main objective of understanding climate tipping points and developing early warning indicators. Liverpool’s contribution to these projects is focussed on tipping associated with the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. The ISMIP7 project is a large international collaboration that will deliver community-based projections of the contribution of these ice sheets to future sea level rise. Liverpool’s contribution is specifically around assessing the climate forcing used in these projections. 

Together these projects offer an excellent opportunity for a glaciologist or climate scientist to focus on the coupling of ice sheets within Earth system models and, in particular, improve scientific understanding of the tipping-point dynamics of the ice sheets. They will involve collaboration with a wide range of international climate and glaciological modelling groups.

We work in close partnership with NERC’s National Oceanography Centre, which is located on the University campus.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date:  18 May 2026 23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above.

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