Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Earth System Tipping Points

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work across two ESA-funded projects on Earth observation for monitoring Earth system tipping points. The role focuses 80% on the PREDICT project and 20% on EO4TIPP, developing early warning signals from Earth observation data and CMIP6 outputs, and supporting project management and dissemination.

You will analyse large climate datasets, review AMOC-related literature, engage in community

Qualifications

• PhD in climate sciences or related field.
• Experience with Earth observation data and climate model outputs (CMIP6).
• Familiarity with early warning signal detection methods for complex systems.
• Experience with project management and reporting on funded research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on early warning signals using EO datasets and CMIP6 outputs.
• Analyse large environmental/climate datasets to detect precursors of tipping points.
• Contribute to project management, timelines, milestones, and reporting to partners/funders.
• Co-author peer-reviewed publications and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Earth observation data

CMIP6 data

Early warning signals

Project management

Scientific reporting

Education

PhD in climate/earth system science

Tools

CMIP6

Job description

This ESA-funded full-time post is available from 01.10.2026 on a fixed-term basis until 13.01.2028.

The Role

Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter

The Global Systems Institute wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work across two ESA-funded research projects on Earth observation for monitoring Earth system tipping points: 80% of the post will be dedicated to the PREDICT project, and 20% EO4TIPP.

On PREDICT, the successful applicant will conduct research on early warning signals for terrestrial tipping points — including Amazon rainforest dieback and dryland vegetation collapse — working with Earth observation data and CMIP6 climate model output to develop and test statistical and machine-learning approaches for detecting precursors of abrupt change in these systems. They will also support project management and reporting, working closely with the Principal Investigator.

On EO4TIPP, the successful applicant will contribute to evaluating the Earth observation architecture for monitoring Earth system tipping points. The successful applicant will focus on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), including scientific process understanding of AMOC tipping dynamics, identifying key geophysical variables and their observability via spaceborne remote sensing, and supporting community consultation activities (expert surveys, workshops) on AMOC monitoring needs.

The post will include:

• Conducting original research on early warning signals for terrestrial tipping points using Earth observation datasets and CMIP6 climate model output.
• Analysing large environmental/climate datasets to detect statistical precursors and gain process understanding of critical transitions in these systems.
• Contributing to project management, including timeline tracking, milestone reporting, and coordination with project partners and funders.
• Preparing progress reports and deliverables for both projects.
• Reviewing and synthesising scientific literature on AMOC tipping dynamics for project deliverables.
• Supporting community consultation activities (surveys, workshops, stakeholder engagement) related to AMOC monitoring.
• Co-authoring peer-reviewed publications and presenting findings at conferences and project meetings.
• Collaborating with the wider project teams across both funded projects.

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 in climate science, Earth system science, environmental physics, or a related field. The successful applicant will have demonstrable experience working with Earth observation data and climate model output, ideally including CMIP6, and experience with or a strong interest in early warning signal detection methods for complex systems (e.g. critical slowing down, statistical precursor analysis). Familiarity with terrestrial tipping systems (Amazon rainforest, dryland vegetation, glaciers/permafrost) and/or AMOC/wider climate tipping point literature is desirable. Experience with project management and reporting on funded research projects is also desirable. The successful applicant will be able to work collaboratively across an international, multi-partner research environment, and to organise and prioritise their own work across two concurrent projects.

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

The closing date for applications is 14 October.

Further information

Please contact Dr Jesse Abrams, [e-mail].

From £43,482 (The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.)