Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Climate Resilience for Energy Systems)

Full time, fixed term contract (up to 24 months)

Closing date: 23:59 9^th Sept

Interview date: 24^th Sept

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.

The University of Reading’s Meteorology Department is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic researcher to join its Energy-Meteorology Research Group (EMRG). The postholder will conduct innovative research aligned with the assessment of climate risk in UK and European energy systems. They will become a central part of the Energy-Meteorology research group, supporting the group’s strategic engagement with industry & policy stakeholders, developing new tools and capabilities, and assisting the EMRG lead in the co-supervision of students and co-teaching relevant courses.

Energy systems around the world are changing rapidly.  From the electrification of transport and heating, the growing dependence on renewables, to the increasing weather-exposure of infrastructure assets, there is an urgent need for high-quality climate information. A key goal is to assess the resilience of energy systems to future climate uncertainty (e.g., so-called “climate stress testing”).

In collaboration with the EMRG lead, the postholder will co-develop an appropriate area of research aligned with the interests of the EMRG. Applicants are therefore required to include a brief statement outlining a proposed area of research as part of their application (up to 1 side of A4 maximum). This should motivate a clear research aim and give a broad outline of how you would propose to tackle it. The statement does not, however, need to include a detailed methodology or time plan. AI tools can be used to assist in developing your ideas but the final submitted text should be written in your own words (i.e., it should not include substantive sections directly copied from generative AI large language models such as ChatGPT). 

You can expect to publish and disseminate your work widely via open access journals, datasets, code and conferences. You can expect to have significant opportunities to engage with other researchers within the group, as well as interacting with energy-sector stakeholders (e.g., the energy regulator, Ofgem).

You will have:

• Strong scientific analytical skills relevant to the mathematical and physical sciences
• Strong scientific computing and programming skills
• Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: David Brayshaw

Contact Job Title: Professor of Climate Science and Energy Meteorology

Contact Email address: d.j.brayshaw@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: John Methven

Alternative Contact Job Title: Professor in Atmospheric Dynamics

Alternative Contact Email address: j.methven@reading.ac.uk

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying. 

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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