Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Oceanography

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Edinburgh seeks a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to conduct vital research on Earth System Models. This role involves numerical modelling and collaboration with a diverse team. The position offers a competitive salary and a supportive environment for groundbreaking research.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Competitive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in running ocean models from Fjord to global scale.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Earth System Models related to sub-polar gyre collapse.
• Collaborate with researchers and contribute to funding bids.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Independence

Education

PhD or equivalent in Physical Oceanography, Climate Sciences, Mathematics, or Physics

Job description

Grade UE07: £40,497-£48,149 per annum

College of Science & Engineering, School of GeoSciences

Fixed Term: 24 months

Full Time: 35 hours per week

The Opportunity:

A two-year Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to carry out research into generating Earth System Models that show sub-polar gyre collapse. The research requires numerical modelling, analysis and publication of results in world class journals. The PDRA should also collaborate with others in Edinburgh and in the PROMOTE (Progressing Earth System Modelling for Tipping Point Early Warning Systems)project. This project brings together researchers from seven UK research institutions and is funded by ARIA (Advanced Research and Invention Agency).

The PDRA will form part of the PROMOTE project in which UK scientists are developing and using the UK Earth System Model (UKESM) to examine the potential collapse of the North Atlantic sub-polar Gyre circulation. Within this large project the Edinburgh component has the aim of generating a handful of UKESM variants that are less realistic but more sensitive to freshwater fluxes from Greenland ice melt. This will use advanced numerical techniques to calibrate the ocean/sea-ice component of UKESM to agree with North Atlantic observations and produce variants that are differently sensitive to ocean freshwater flux off Greenland.

The PDRA should contribute to potential follow up bids for funding in the broad area of tipping points or the novel use of inverse methods in ocean or earth system modelling.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns.We are also open to considering requests for limited hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. However, as the job-holder should interact with other researchers they should be on-campus at least three days a week.

The salary for this post is £40,247 to £48,149 per annum.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• PhD or equivalent in Physical Oceanography, Climate Sciences or numerate discipline such as Mathematics or Physics.
• Substantial experience in running ocean models – anything from Fjord to global ocean scale.
• Able to work with others across with a broad range of expertise.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)

Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• An academic CV.
• Cover letter which: Say why you are interested in the role. Highlight how you meet the required and desired skills in the job description referring to your CV for evidence.
• Identify one scientific publication you are proudest of and say why you chose this paper.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• To carry out world leading research withing a large Earth System Modelling community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 20th June 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held around 25th June 2025andbe virtual.