Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Exeter; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the UK is seeking a full-time Research Fellow to join a project on forecasting climate tipping points. You will develop research objectives, secure funding, and collaborate on climate dynamics research. The position requires a relevant PhD and expertise in paleoclimate and climate dynamics, along with strong coding, mathematical, and statistical skills. The initial salary ranges from £42,632 to £45,163 based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Expertise in paleoclimate and climate dynamics required.
• Strong coding and mathematical/statistical skills necessary.
• Able to develop research objectives and secure funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and projects.
• Identify sources of research funding.
• Collaborate with team members on paleo-reconstruction.

Skills

Paleoclimate

Ocean dynamics

Climate dynamics

Coding

Mathematical skills

Statistical skills

Education

PhD or equivalent in related field

Job description

The post

The Global Systems Institute and the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a full-time Research Fellow (1/4/2026 – 31/3/2027) to join a research team advancing the understanding of forecasting climate tipping points. The team has been awarded £5 million by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to investigate early warning signs of climate tipping points. The new project – Advancing Tipping Point Early Warning (AdvanTip) – will focus on the Subpolar Gyre, an ocean current system that could tip quickly and soon. The research aims to achieve a breakthrough in early warning of tipping points by leveraging progress in theory, AI and physical understanding.

We are seeking candidates with experience in paleoclimate, ocean and climate dynamics. Expertise in coding and strong mathematical and statistical skills is also requested. The successful applicant will work with colleagues at the University of Exeter and the University of Bordeaux, to create a multi-century reconstruction of Subpolar Gyre variability using bivalve sclerochronologies as well as existing paleo-records (e.g. PAGES2K) and an existing AI approach. The reconstruction will be used to test various early warning signals concerned with determining the potential for Subpolar Gyre collapse. The successful candidate will collaborate with other members of the AdvanTip team, using fingerprints of Subpolar Gyre dynamics they have created to weight the bivalve records accordingly. The successful applicant will also collaborate across the ARIA programme, sharing the paleo-reconstruction with other projects as well as other research ideas.

About you

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 equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in paleoclimate reconstructions, ocean and climate dynamics 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.

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

University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Chris Boulton email [e-mail].

The starting salary will be from £42,632 up to £45,163 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.