Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Solar Wind Data Assimilation

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant to join Prof. Mathew Owens’s NERC project on why space-weather forecasts have not improved.

You will work in the Space and Atmospheric Electricity Research Group, contributing to cutting-edge space weather data assimilation and numerical modelling. Applicants should have a PhD in physical sciences or related discipline, strong Python skills, and experience in solar/heliospheric physics.

Qualifications

• PhD in physical sciences or related discipline.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Python programming.
• General solar and heliospheric physics knowledge.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake independent research activities associated with the project objectives under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.
• Design, implement and evaluate methodologies for solar wind data assimilation and forecasting applications.
• Develop and maintain software tools and workflows required for project delivery.
• Develop simple physics-based models to aid interpretation of observations.
• Prepare research findings for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at national and international conferences, workshops and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Python programming

Independent working

Teamwork

Communication skills

General solar physics

Education

PhD

Job description

work_outline Basis Full time

Job profile for Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Solar Wind Data Assimilation

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Solar Wind Data Assimilation

location_on Whiteknights 07/09/2026 Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Solar Wind Data Assimilation

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

The Further Particulars for each job are in PDF format, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click on the link below:

Attachment attachment SRF54197 PDRA Solar Wind Data Assimilation – JDPS.pdf

Job details

Salary Grade 6, £36,636 – £46,049 per annum

Contractual hours 35 Basis Full time

Region South

Job category/type Academic and Research

Date posted 14/08/2026

Job reference SRF54197

Job description

Full time fixed term contract ending on 15/2/2028

Closing date: 23:59 7 Sept 2026

Interviews will be held: 21 Sept 2026

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 isfurther information about this on theUK Visas and Immigration Website.

Are you a researcher with expertise in space weather, data assimilation, or numerical modelling? We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant to join Prof. Mathew Owens’s NERC project “Why have space-weather forecasts not improved for a decade?”.

This is an opportunity to contribute to cutting edge research in space weather data assimilation, working within the Space and Atmospheric Electricity Research Group of the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. Our team currently comprises seven academic staff members, two PDRAs, and four PhD students, and fosters a collaborative and dynamic research environment. You will work primarily with Prof. Mathew Owens and Dr Luke Baranard, while having opportunities to engage with projects across the group.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake independent research activities associated with the project objectives under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.
• Design, implement and evaluate methodologies for solar wind data assimilation and forecasting applications.
• Develop and maintain software tools and workflows required for project delivery.
• Develop simple physics-based models to aid interpretation of observations;
• Prepare research findings for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at national and international conferences, workshops and stakeholder meetings.

You will have:

• A PhD (or PhD your completion) in physical sciences or a related discipline.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of Python programming.
• General solar and heliospheric physics knowledge
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name Prof Mathew Owens

Job Title Professor of Space Physics

Email address [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name, Job Title and Email address

Dr Luke Barnard, Associate Professor in Space Weather Data Assimilation, [e-mail]

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.