Post Doctoral Research Associate in Oceanography (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Ocean Dynamics group within the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Supervised by Professor John Taylor and Associate Professor Oscar Branson, the project focuses on ocean alkalinity enhancement and near-field modelling around the 2025 field site.

The role requires planning and managing independent research, clear communication of complex concepts, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• PhD in Oceanography, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in ocean modelling; familiarity with Oceananigans is desirable.
• Ability to communicate technical material clearly and build collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage your own research within the Frontier Climate programme.
• Collaborate with group members and external partners.
• Supervise student projects and deliver seminars when required.

Skills

Ocean modelling

Oceananigans.jl

Seawater carbon chemistry

Communication of technical material

Collaborations

Education

PhD in Oceanography/Physics or related field

Tools

Oceananigans.jl

OceanBioME.jl

Job description

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge. The successful applicant will join the Ocean Dynamics group (https://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/jrt51/) at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics under the supervision of Professor John Taylor and Associate Professor Oscar Branson.The post is available from 15 November 2026 or another mutually agreed start date.This project is part of a wider programme coordinated by Frontier Climate to study ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). The Cambridge team will build a high-resolution model of the near-field environment surrounding the site of the 2025 OAE field trial conducted by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The team will work closely with Dr Adam Subhas and other colleagues to investigate potential alkalinity loss through secondary mineral precipitation. The simulations will also help assess sampling strategies.The simulations will use Oceananigans.jl (https://github.com/Oceananigans) to represent physical processes at the field site and OceanBioME.jl (https://github.com/OceanBioME) to model how dissolving and sinking particles interact with seawater carbon chemistry. Experience in ocean modelling, particularly with Oceananigans, is highly desirable. Knowledge of seawater carbon chemistry is desirable but not essential.The role holder will be expected to plan and manage their own research and work closely with others. They must be able to communicate technical material clearly and build internal and external collaborations. The post holder may also be asked to help supervise student projects, develop students' research skills, provide instruction, or plan and deliver seminars related to the research area.The successful candidate will have (or expect to soon be awarded) a PhD in Oceanography, Physics, or a related field and experience in ocean modelling.For informal enquiries, please contact Professor John Taylor at [e-mail] you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: [e-mail] indicate the contact details of two academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae, a list of publications and a description of your recent research (not to exceed two pages). Please ensure that at least one of your referees is contactable at any time during the selection process and is made aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and please encourage them to do so promptly.Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.Closing date: 19 October 2026Please quote reference LE51157 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.Apply online