Post Doctoral Research Associate in Oceanography (Fixed Term)

Chemistry Guide; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Ocean Dynamics group within the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. The role, starting from 15 November 2026 or another agreed start date, involves developing high-resolution ocean alkalinity enhancement simulations using Oceananigans.jl and OceanBioME.jl.

The successful candidate will plan and manage their own research, collaborate across teams, supervise student projects, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Oceanography, Physics or related field.
• Experience in ocean modelling is essential; Oceananigans experience is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and ability to build collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage your own research project.
• Work with others and build internal/external collaborations.
• Supervise student projects and provide instruction or seminars.

Skills

ocean modelling

communication

supervision

planning research

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]

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: [e-mail].

Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

Closing date: 19 October 2026

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.

£37,694 to £46,049 per annum