Hydroclimate Scientist

European Geosciences Union e.V.; Wallingford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research organization located in Wallingford, UK, is seeking a dedicated scientist to advance our understanding of hydroclimatic extremes. You will work on national and international science initiatives, developing tools to assist water managers in assessing climate impacts. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess experience in hydrological modeling and data analysis. This full-time role offers the opportunity for significant research contributions and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience with hydrological extremes and climate data.
• Proven ability to work independently and within a team.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Investigate historical trends and impacts of droughts.
• Develop and analyze large hydroclimate datasets.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders.

Skills

Hydrological modeling

Statistical analysis

Data management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

R

Python

GIS software

Job description

About the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

For over 60 years, UKCEH and its predecessor institutes have been at the forefront of environmental monitoring and modelling. The long-term environmental data hosted by UKCEH inform policymaking, enable new discoveries, and drive research and innovation.

We are a trusted provider of research of the highest quality and rigour, and our science makes a difference, advancing knowledge and understanding to benefit people and planet.

Climate: Past, Present & Future (CL)
Hydrological Sciences (HS)
Natural Hazards (NH)

Type

Full time

Level

Experienced

Preferred education

PhD

26 August 2025

Posted

7 August 2025

Are you a dedicated scientist eager to advance our understanding of hydroclimatic extremes across past, present, and future climates? Are you motivated by the opportunity to contribute to high-impact science and become a recognised expert within UKCEH and the wider national and international research community?

In this role, you will contribute to a portfolio of national and international science initiatives, including the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water and CANARI projects and related flagship National Capability projects such as the UK Hydrological Outlook and our International Programme. You will be working on developing future projections of hydrological extremes using large ensembles, including advancing understanding of the associated variability and uncertainty. You will also contribute to the co-development and delivery of products and tools that enable water managers to assess the impacts of climate change on water systems and support efforts to enhance resilience against future extreme hazards. This is a rewarding opportunity to see our research translated into applied tools which have a positive impact on our society.

You’ll join a multidisciplinary team of hydrologists, climate scientists, and data scientists, collaborating across diverse areas of research and professional development. Your role includes leading tasks within concurrent research projects, initiating and organising work independently as well as working within a team. You’ll also help communicate the value of your science and UKCEH’s work both internally and externally, supporting knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement.

Your main responsibilities will include:

*Investigating historical trends, drivers of variability, and characteristics of droughts, and assessing their current and future impacts across the UK and wider European region.

*Developing and analysing hydroclimate datasets, including large ensemble future hydrological projections, while ensuring good data management practices of large datasets.

*Developing and testing novel approaches to quantifying and attributing risk, including ‘storylines’ approaches, UNSEEN and other emerging techniques.

*Contributing to significant outputs each year (e.g., peer refereed publications or reports, scientific models and methods, published datasets etc.) and leading where necessary.

*Collaborating with internal UKCEH researchers, and external partners and engaging with key stakeholders, including water companies, government agencies and a wide range of water managers

Your additional responsibilities may include:

*Mentoring junior staff and/or students in your team or beyond (e.g., on projects) supporting their personal development.

*Contributing towards funding proposals (or leading the writing for key elements of proposals) where appropriate.

*Participating in the production and delivery of operational services within theNational Hydrological Monitoring Programmeand theUK Hydrological Outlook.

*Contributing regularly to events s and outreach activities of UKCEH , professional societies/networks relevant to your science, including international scientific networks.

How to apply

See below and on the application page for more info, we are happy to answer any questions before applying. Do please share with anyone you think would be a good fit.