Research Fellow in Polar Oceanography

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southampton invites applications for a Research Fellow to study regime shifts in the Ross Sea within the ERC-funded ROSS-SHIFT project. The role integrates satellite observations, in situ measurements, and numerical modelling to understand ocean circulation changes and their impact on Antarctic ice shelves.

The successful candidate will collaborate with international partners and may participate in Antarctic research cruises, starting 1 March 2027 for two years, with potential

Qualifications

• Experience in physical oceanography, satellite remote sensing, ocean observations or numerical modelling.
• Familiarity with data analysis workflows and modelling tools is desirable.
• Collaborative research and strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyse satellite observations and in situ data to identify regime shifts in ocean circulation.
• Develop and run numerical models to understand the Southern Ocean dynamics.
• Collaborate with international partners and contribute to ERC-funded research outputs.

Skills

Physical oceanography

Satellite remote sensing

Ocean observations

Numerical modelling

Mathematics

Physics

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Research Field Environmental science Geosciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 16 Dec 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Fellow to join our vibrant research community at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, to work on the European Research Council-funded ROSS-SHIFT (Ross Sea Regime Shift) project.

The successful candidate will investigate potential regime shifts in ocean circulation in the Ross Sea and wider Southern Ocean, and their implications for Antarctic Ice Sheet melting and the Southern Ocean Overturning Circulation. The research will aim to improve our understanding of how changes in ocean circulation and freshwater content influence ocean heat transport towards Antarctic ice shelves, affect their basal melting, and interact with the large-scale overturning circulation. The work will involve the analysis of satellite observations, alongside in situ oceanographic measurements and numerical model outputs, to identify, characterise, and understand changes in Southern Ocean dynamics.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge Antarctic research in an international, collaborative environment, with the possibility of participating in Antarctic research cruises. The successful candidate will work closely with collaborators at the British Antarctic Survey, University College London, the University of Gothenburg, the Norwegian Polar Institute and the University of Naples Parthenope.

We welcome applications from researchers with experience in physical oceanography, satellite remote sensing, ocean observations, numerical modelling, or related disciplines such as mathematics and physics.

The position is expected to start on 1 March 2027 for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability. Some flexibility regarding the start date is available and can be discussed with the successful candidate. For further information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Alessandro Silvano [e-mail] .

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