Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

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

Benefits offered by this job

Freedom to research

Academic collaboration

Maternity/paternity leave benefits

Fertility treatment policy

Exeter Academic development

Job summary

University of Exeter at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to advance an observation-based machine learning ocean forecasting system in collaboration with the UK Met Office. The role involves designing uncertainty propagation, developing adaptive sampling, and validating models using real-world data.

Applicants should have a PhD (or near completion) in oceanography, ML, statistics, or related fields and be prepared to lead research objectives,

Qualifications

• PhD or nearing completion in oceanography, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research methods and techniques to work within established programmes.

Responsibilities

• Design uncertainty propagation techniques in Python within a 3D machine learning forecasting pipeline.
• Develop adaptive spatial sampling algorithms.
• Lead staged verification using synthetic ocean data and autonomous vessel deployments.
• Develop simulation code and interpret model outputs.
• Publish and present findings.

Skills

Python

Machine learning

Uncertainty quantification

Data analysis

Scientific computing

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

TensorFlow

Git

Job description

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

This UKDI funded full-time post is available on a fixed term basis from 01 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. The starting salary will be from £35,302 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £44,352 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. This role may be subject to additional background screening.

The Role

Faculty of Environment, Science, and Economy

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join the Department of Engineering at the Penryn Campus, Cornwall to assist in the development of a novel, observation-based machine learning ocean forecasting system, delivered in close collaboration with the UK Met Office and Oshen, a developer of autonomous ships for ocean measurements. The successful applicant will work with Dr Ajit Pillai, Dr Ian Ashton, and teams at the UK Met Office to develop and integrate uncertainty quantification methods and drive the experimental verification and validation of the framework using data from mobile autonomous platforms.

The post will include designing and implementing uncertainty propagation techniques in Python within a 3D machine learning forecasting pipeline, developing adaptive spatial sampling algorithms, and leading the staged verification of the framework using synthetic ocean data, MEOP-CTD datasets, and autonomous vessel deployments. It will include the development of simulation code, interpretation of model outputs, analyzing measurement data, and publication and presentation of findings.

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 oceanography, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to insert skills and knowledge required.

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 oceanography, machine learning, statistics, engineering, or a related field. 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. Applicants will be able to demonstrate advanced expertise in uncertainty quantification and propagation, proven experience validating complex computational models against real-world observational data, and a track record of delivering open-source codebases or reproducible scientific software.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and 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 supporting 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

Further information

Please contact insert Dr Ajit Pillai, a.pillai@ exeter.ac.uk

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

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 underrepresented 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.