Postdoctoral Research Scientist in probabilistic storylines of climate extremes

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to develop a novel statistical approach to frame extreme event storylines in likelihood space. You will work in the Department of Meteorology under Professor Ted Shepherd, as part of the EXTREME-FUTURES project.

Applicants should have a PhD in meteorology or related field, a strong publication record, and expertise in atmospheric data analysis, multivariate statistics, and climate modelling.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in meteorology or a related field.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in atmospheric data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with multivariate statistics and climate modelling.

Skills

Atmospheric data analysis

Written and verbal communication

Independent research mindset

Multivariate statistical modelling

Climate variability and change

Weather and climate modelling

Education

PhD in meteorology or related field

Job description

work_outline Basis Full time

Job profile for Postdoctoral Research Scientist in probabilistic storylines of climate extremes

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in probabilistic storylines of climate extremes

Whiteknights Campus 30/11/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

The Further Particulars for each job are in PDF format, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click on the link below:

Job details

Salary Grade 6£37,369 - £46,970 per annum

Contractual hours 35 Basis Full time

Region South

Job category/type Academic and Research, Research

Date posted 06/11/2026

Job reference SRF54674

Attachments SRF54674 Postdoctoral Research Scientist JDPS.pdf

Job description

Full-time, Fixed-term Contract (36 months)

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 30 th Nov 2026

Interviews will be held: 16-17 th Dec 2026 (include a presentation during the interview slot)

By reference to applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possibleunder Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on UK Visas and Immigration Website UK Visas and Immigration Website .

Postdoctoral research scientist at the University of Reading in probabilistic storylines of climate extremes

A postdoctoral research scientist post is available to develop a novel statistical approach to frame extreme event storylines in likelihood space, using conditional probabilities to distinguish between dynamical and thermodynamic effects. The post-holder will work in the Department of Meteorology under the supervision of Professor Ted Shepherd FRS, within the context of the EXTREME-FUTURES research project ( https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=UKRI2165 ), which is led by Professor Hayley Fowler FRS at Newcastle University and aims to create a seamless framework for attribution, forecasting and climate change risk assessment of extreme weather events. Professor Fowler will also co-supervise the post-holder. The University of Reading is a world-leading centre for meteorology and climate, with a large and vibrant community of early-career researchers, and with the ECMWF moving onto campus in 2027.

You will have:

• A PhD or equivalent in meteorology or a related field
• A proven track record in research, demonstrated through excellent peer-reviewed publications
• Proficiency in atmospheric data analysis
• Good written and communication skills
• Capability of independent thought
• Knowledge of multivariate statistical modelling, atmospheric dynamics, extreme weather events, climate variability and change, and weather and climate modelling

Knowledge of one or more of machine learning, causal effect networks, and climate storylines is desirable but not essential.

Informal contact details

Contact Name: Ted Shepherd

Contact Job Title: Grantham Professor of Climate Science

Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Hannah Cloke

Alternative Contact Job Title: Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science

Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.