Research Associate in Mathematics of Planet Earth

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading UK university as a Research Associate in Applied Mathematics, focusing on climate science and critical transitions in Earth's systems. This role offers the chance to work on innovative research activities, develop new methodologies, and collaborate with top-tier researchers in a supportive environment, contributing to impactful scientific work over a fixed-term contract.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Holding or near completion of PhD in a relevant field.
• Proven experience in mathematical modelling and complex systems.
• Expertise in machine learning, AI, or numerical methods for climate systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to theoretical and numerical modelling.
• Engage in large-scale data analysis.
• Collaborate on scientific outputs and conference presentations.

Skills

Mathematical modelling

Data analysis

Strong writing

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in mathematics, physics, Earth sciences, or related discipline

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate in Applied Mathematics to join the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Leicester. This exciting opportunity is part of the UK-funded ARIA AdvanTIP project, led by the University of Exeter, which explores the risk of critical transitions in the Earth’s climate system—particularly the potential collapse of the Subpolar Gyre and its implications for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Your work will contribute to the wider theme of “Mathematics of Planet Earth”, engaging in topics such as critical transitions, metastability, climate system response to perturbations, and machine learning applications in climate science.

You will be part of an internationally recognised research environment, where you will contribute to theoretical and numerical modelling, large-scale data analysis, and the development of novel methodologies. The role offers the chance to collaborate with UK and international partners and contribute to scientific outputs, conference presentations and potentially teaching activities. At Leicester, you’ll be immersed in a culture that values ambition, originality, and impact, and you’ll benefit from a supportive research infrastructure designed to help you realise your academic potential.

About you

You will hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in mathematics, physics, Earth sciences, or a closely related discipline, with proven experience in mathematical modelling and data analysis of complex systems. A solid understanding of climate or ecosystem dynamics, strong writing and presentation skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. You should have expertise in at least one of the following areas: theoretical modelling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or numerical methods for climate systems, and be confident in using tools such as Python or MATLAB.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Valerio Lucarini on [e-mail]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be foundhere.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community ofCitizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local communitythrough our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusivethrough our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time or job share, fixed term contract from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027