Research Associate in Turbulent Mixing in the Stratosphere (Fixed Term)

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

Job summary

A prestigious university in Cambridge is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate to work on turbulent mixing in the stratosphere. This role involves developing research proposals, managing individual projects, and collaborating with internal and external teams. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in applied mathematics, physical sciences, or engineering, with experience in fluid mechanics and numerical simulation. The position is fixed-term until June 2028 and offers an opportunity to contribute to significant research in aerosol dispersion.

Qualifications

• Experience in fluid mechanics of turbulence and mixing.
• Knowledge of numerical simulation techniques.
• Desirable: background in density-stratified fluids and atmospheric dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct individual and collaborative research objectives.
• Plan and manage research and administration tasks.
• Assist in supervising student projects and developing research skills.

Skills

Fluid mechanics of turbulence

Numerical simulation

Density-stratified fluids

Atmospheric dynamics

Education

PhD in applied mathematics, physical sciences or engineering

Job description

A position exists for a Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) to work on turbulent mixing in the stratosphere.

The particular focus is on the mixing and dispersion of particles released from aircraft or balloons, taking account of particle aggregation effects, turbulence associated with the release mechanism and the turbulence more generally active in the stratospheric environment, and other potentially relevant effects such as radiative heating. The work will combine direct numerical simulation with other approaches such exploiting relevant theoretical models. The work will contribute to a larger project on Novel Materials for Stratospheric Aerosol Injection and the DAMTP component, which is focused on early-time dispersion, will require close liaison with other modelling groups at Imperial College and in the Department of Chemistry in Cambridge, who will focus on later-time aspects of the dispersion.

Duties include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects. The role holder will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance if required, and to assist in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies. You must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts. You may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to the research area.

The successful candidate will have (or about to be awarded) a PhD in applied mathematics, physical sciences or engineering, with experience in the fluid mechanics of turbulence and mixing and in numerical simulation.

Experience and knowledge of some of density-stratified fluids, dispersion from aircraft or atmospheric dynamics, is desirable.

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made by contacting Professor Peter Haynes ( [e-mail] ) who will lead the research.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available to 10 June 2028 in the first instance.

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please indicate the contact email address of two academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae and a description of your recent research (not to exceed three pages). Please ensure that both of your referees are contactable at any time during the selection process. Please make them aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and please encourage them to do so promptly.

Informal inquiries can be made by contacting [e-mail]

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online during the week 22-26 September 2025.

Please quote reference LE46830 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.