Research Scientist (Compound Coastal Hazards)

Professor Doctor Obi; Reading; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK seeks a post-doctoral Research Scientist to contribute to innovative forecasting methods for tropical storms through the SEA-COAST project. This role focuses on developing new coastal hazard predictions, collaborating with international partners and improving disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

Qualifications

• PhD (or expected soon) in a relevant field.
• Strong programming and analytical skills.
• Experience with large datasets and interest in tropical weather.

Responsibilities

• Develop coastal hazard modeling suite based on ensemble forecasts.
• Evaluate probabilistic forecasts for air-sea extremes.
• Understand processes in compound extremes related to tropical cyclones.

Skills

Strong computer programming skills

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Good communication skills

Interest in tropical weather

Education

PhD in mathematics or physics-based science

Job description

Full-time fixed term role (34 months in duration).

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Closing date: 23:59 on 02/07/2025
Interviews will be held: 10/07/2025

We seek a post-doctoral Research Scientist for the “Understanding and Prediction of Compound Ocean-Atmosphere Storms in the Tropics” (SEA-COAST) project. The SEA-COAST project aims to develop new capabilities in forecasting compound air-sea extreme events and their impacts in Southeast Asian countries (initially the Philippines and Vietnam). This development will create new value from the recently developed convective-scale Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) ensembles by improving coastal hazard prediction in 5-7 days.

SEA-COAST is funded by the Weather and Climate Science for Service Partnership Southeast Asia (WCSSP SEA) programme, managed by the UK Met Office. The project involves close collaboration with national operational forecasting agencies in Southeast Asia, translating cutting-edge research into real practical impacts on coastal resilience and disaster preparedness.

You will be part of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) at the University of Reading and closely collaborate with the National Oceanography Centre, the University of the Balearic Islands (Spain), and the Met Office.

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.

You will:

• Develop a high-resolution coastal hazard modelling suite in the Southeast Asia region driven by existing ensemble forecasts in global and regional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) systems (Year 1). One focus is on conditions when tropical cyclones are making landfall.
• Evaluate and improve the skill of probabilistic forecasts of compound air-sea extremes and identify key sources of uncertainty in the Southeast Asia region (Year 2).
• Understand the underpinning processes in compound extremes associated with convective-scale processes and tropical cyclones (Year 3).

You will have:

• PhD (or shortly expect to receive) in a mathematics or physics-based science or equivalent research experience
• Strong computer programming skills
• Experience of statistical analysis and visualisation of large and complex scientific datasets
• Knowledge of, or a serious interest in tropical high-impact weather and tropical cyclones
• Good communications skill

Contact details for advert
Contact Name: Xiangbo Feng
Contact Job Title: Senior Research scientist
Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: John Methven
Alternative Contact Job Title:Professor
Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

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.

£36,130 to £45,413 per annum