Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Defined benefits pension

Staff discounts

Flexible work options

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for two PDRA posts in the CSE / School of Mathematics. Each role is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 36 months, Grade UE07 (£41,064 to £48,822 per annum).

Based in Edinburgh, these posts work on a project to understand turbulent mixing in the Arctic Ocean and to develop parameterisations for climate models. Successful candidates will develop theoretical models and verify them with idealised numerical simulations using Oceananigans,

Responsibilities

• Develop theoretical models for turbulent mixing in Arctic Ocean using analytical methods.
• Verify models against idealised numerical simulations with Oceananigans.
• Implement and assess parameterisation schemes in a regional Arctic model with project partners.

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822per annum, pro rata if part time

CSE / School of Mathematics

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: for 36 months

Posts available: 2

The Opportunity:

This project aims to (1) understand the fluid dynamics of small-scale processes in the Arctic Ocean that have the potential to redistribute heat and other tracers between the ocean surface and interior through turbulent mixing, (2) develop parameterisations of these processes for implementation in ocean and climate models, and (3) assess the impact of turbulent mixing on the Arctic Ocean state.

The PDRA(s) on this project will, together with the PI and her collaborators, develop theoretical models (e.g. for linear topographic wave generation), which will be verified against idealised numerical simulations using Oceananigans. Existing oceanic observations will be used throughout to identify the relevant regimes and evaluate results. Parameterisation schemes will be implemented and assessed in a regional Arctic model in collaboration with project partners at the National Oceanography Centre. The specific balance of theoretical and computational work can be tailored to the successful candidate's strengths.

These positions are funded by UKRI to work with Dr Lois Baker on understanding turbulent mixing in a changing Arctic Ocean. As our climate warms, Arctic currents are expected to become more energetic. This could result in more turbulence generation from small-scale processes such as internal waves, and consequently more heat flux from the relatively warm, deep Arctic to the vulnerable surface sea ice. Climate models do not currently represent these processes, which are dynamically different from those elsewhere in the global ocean. The project involves collaboration with partners at the National Oceanography Centre and the Universities of Cambridge, Southampton, and British Columbia.

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 hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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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.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the 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 a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from women or other under-represented groups in applied mathematics.

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 our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant. Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 14October 2026.

The positions begin on 1st January 2027 or on a mutually agreed date thereafter.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. 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 w/c 2nd November 2026.