Research Assistant / Associate Islands of Britain and Ireland Climate Dataset

TN United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Newcastle is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to develop a high-resolution rainfall dataset for the UK and Ireland. This full-time, fixed-term position involves collaboration with researchers and requires a PhD or near completion in a relevant field. The role includes responsibilities such as quality control of datasets and proposing methodologies for research dissemination.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience with rainfall observations from gauges and radar.
• Proficiency in coding and handling large datasets.
• Research publication record appropriate to career stage.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-resolution rainfall datasets blending radar, gauge, and satellite data.
• Quality control radar data and evaluate satellite data inclusion.
• Analyze spatial and temporal rainfall variability.

Skills

Rainfall observations

Coding and handling large datasets

Statistical blending methods

Quality control procedures

Effective communication

Education

PhD in environmental science, engineering, or related field

Job description

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Research Assistant / Associate Islands of Britain and Ireland Climate Dataset, Newcastle upon Tyne

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Client:

Newcastle University

Location:

Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

b9db804c7723

Job Views:

2

Posted:

19.05.2025

Expiry Date:

03.07.2025

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Job Description:

Newcastle University offers an excellent working environment with benefits such as a generous holiday package, pension schemes, and health initiatives.

The Role

We seek a Researcher to develop a high-resolution hourly (or higher) gridded rainfall dataset for the UK and Ireland, assessing it against existing datasets. The Climate+ Co-Centre, led by Trinity College Dublin and involving multiple UK institutions, aims to address water challenges related to climate change, biodiversity, and water quality crises across Ireland and Great Britain.

The researcher will build upon recent Newcastle University work to evaluate and improve climate observation datasets, focusing on blending radar, gauge, and satellite data to create a comprehensive rainfall dataset. Responsibilities include quality control, data assessment, and integration into a climate atlas.

The candidate should work well within a team, collaborating with researchers and academics across the UK and Ireland.

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter demonstrating your fit for the role, including all relevant documents in a single file (max 10MB). For questions, contact Professor Hayley Fowler at [emailprotected].

This is a fixed-term 18-month position starting September 2025, full-time (37 hours/week), on-site in Newcastle, with flexible working options discussed.

Shortlisting begins the week of June 9; interviews are scheduled for the week of July 7. Further details about working at the School of Engineering are available.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop high-resolution rainfall datasets blending radar, gauge, and satellite data.
• Quality control radar data and evaluate satellite data inclusion.
• Assess datasets against existing precipitation data sources.
• Analyze spatial and temporal rainfall variability, including trends and extremes.
• Investigate physical mechanisms behind rainfall variability.
• Create actionable products for use within a climate atlas.

Research tasks include proposing methodologies, analyzing findings, and disseminating results via publications and presentations.

We support career development with clear role profiles describing responsibilities and qualifications at various levels.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience with rainfall observations from gauges and radar.
• Proficiency in coding and handling large datasets.
• Knowledge of statistical blending methods.
• Research publication record appropriate to career stage.
• Experience developing quality control procedures for rainfall data.
• Ability to contribute to external funding proposals (for Associate level).

Attributes and Behaviours

• Original thinking and research initiative.
• Independent and collaborative working skills.
• Effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in environmental science, engineering, or related field.

Newcastle University values diversity and inclusion, supporting equality, gender, and race initiatives, and is committed to accessible employment practices.