Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Machine Learning Ocean Forecasting

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

Job summary

University of Exeter on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to advance an observation-based machine learning ocean forecasting system in collaboration with the Met Office and maritime partners. You will design uncertainty propagation methods in Python, develop adaptive sampling, and verify the framework with autonomous data platforms.

The role is fixed-term (01 January 2027 to 31 December 2027) and requires a PhD or equivalent, with strong

Qualifications

• PhD (or nearing completion) in oceanography, ML, statistics, mathematics or engineering.
• Experience with uncertainty quantification and propagation.
• Ability to develop and verify ML forecasting pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop uncertainty propagation techniques in Python within a 3D machine learning forecasting pipeline.
• Design adaptive spatial sampling algorithms and verify the framework with synthetic and real data.
• Publish findings and code as open-source or reproducible software and present at conferences.

Skills

Python programming

Uncertainty quantification

Machine learning

Data analysis

Education

PhD in oceanography / ML / engineering

Tools

Python (NumPy/SciPy)

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 of 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, analysing 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.

Further information

Please contact Dr Ajit Pillai, [e-mail]

Advertising End Date: 10 Dec 2026

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail].

£35,302 to £44,352. Starting salary will be from £35,302 for the PDRA and from £44,352 for the PDRF depending on knowledge, skills and experience.