Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Maternity, adoption and shared Parenta

Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks)

Fertility Treatment Policy

Job summary

University of Exeter invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the CLIMPEAT ERC Synergy project in Exeter. The role develops the PEAT model and designs simulations of northern peatlands and permafrost from the last glacial maximum to pre‑industrial times, assessing greenhouse gas budgets and climate feedbacks.

Candidates should have a PhD (or nearing completion) with strong research methods, communication skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• PhD (or nearing completion) in a related field with strong research methods.
• Ability to present research progress and outcomes clearly, and prepare proposals
• Experience collaborating across institutions and leading research tasks

Responsibilities

• Be part of the CLIMPEAT team and contribute to understanding peatland and permafrost responses to climate change.
• Develop and evaluate the PEAT model and design simulations from the last glacial maximum to pre-industrial times.

Skills

Research communication

Proposal writing

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in a related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow – CLIMPEAT ERC Synergy

This CLIMPEAT ERC Synergy funded full‑time post is available from 1 January 2027 until 31 December 2029.

Starting salary will be from £35,302 for Postdoctoral Research Associate and from £44,352 for Postdoctoral Research Fellow, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

Contract type: Fixed‑term contract

Location: Exeter

About the Role

The Faculty wishes to recruit either a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to participate in the CLIMPEAT ERC Synergy project. The successful applicant will be part of the CLIMPEAT team (University of Exeter, University of Stockholm, University of Innsbruck and LSCE) which aim to understand and quantify the abrupt and gradual responses of Northern peatlands and permafrost to climate change and their feedback on future warming.

The post will include contribution to the development of the PEAT model, in close collaboration with the LSCE team in France; design and evaluate model's simulations of the evolution of the northern peatland biome from the last glacial maximum (22kyr BP) to pre‑industrial times; along with other approaches, the role of peatlands in the historical and present‑day greenhouse gases budget, quantify the vulnerability of peatland and permafrost to climate change and feedback to the climate system.

Responsibilities

• The successful applicant will be part of the CLIMPEAT team (University of Exeter, University of Stockholm, University of Innsbruck and LSCE) which aim to understand and quantify the abrupt and gradual responses of Northern peatlands and permafrost to climate change and their feedback on future warming.
• The post will include contribution to the development of the PEAT model, in close collaboration with the LSCE team in France; design and evaluate model's simulations of the evolution of the northern peatland biome from the last glacial maximum (22kyr BP) to pre‑industrial times; along with other approaches, the role of peatlands in the historical and present‑day greenhouse gases budget, quantify the vulnerability of peatland and permafrost to climate change and feedback to the climate system.

About You – Postdoctoral Research Associate

• The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
• Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

About You – Postdoctoral Research Fellow

• The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
• Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study.
• The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in insert subject area and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies.
• The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

For both Associate/Fellow roles

• The applicants should be able to run global vegetation or climate models over long temporal integration, to analyse large climatic and environmental datasets, to synthesise results, lead publications/presentations of results, and work in close collaboration with the LSCE partner (Saclay, France).

Contact

Please contact insert Prof. Pierre Friedlingstein, [e-mail].

About Us

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups under‑represented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What We Can Offer You

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

How We Can Help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.