Research Scientist in Historical Windstorms

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Reading is seeking a motivated researcher to analyze historical windstorms using advanced reanalysis systems. This full-time, fixed-term role is linked to a project with insurance companies and requires a PhD in physical or mathematical sciences. Excellent analytical and programming skills are essential. Join us in improving risk estimates of extreme weather events and contribute to vital climate research.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience with a publication record.
• Knowledge of climate reanalyses and dynamics of extreme weather.
• Experience analyzing climate reanalyses or similar datasets.

Responsibilities

• Use reanalysis system to improve reconstructions of historical windstorms.
• Analyze improved dynamical reconstructions of key European windstorms.

Skills

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Programming skills

Education

PhD in physical or mathematical sciences

Job description

Position Details

Full time, fixed term contract (up to 36 months)

Closing date: on 23:59, 4 January 2026

Interviews will be held: January 2026

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

About the role

We seek a motivated researcher to use a reanalysis system to improve reconstructions of historical windstorms over northern Europe. Windstorms are one of the most damaging types of extreme weather, but the most severe events happen only rarely. There is a need to improve sampling of past extremes to ensure that current risk estimates are appropriate and reliable.

We now have more of the historical observations required to constrain reanalyses before the satellite era so it is timely to revisit reconstructions of many past extreme events. In partnership with two insurance companies, this project will use the 20th Century Reanalysis system to produce and analyse improved dynamical reconstructions of key European windstorms that occurred before 1950, and even before 1900.

Requirements

• a PhD in physical or mathematical sciences, or expect shortly to obtain this, or equivalent research experience, with a publication record appropriate to experience
• knowledge of climate reanalyses and the dynamics of extreme weather events
• experience of analysing climate reanalyses or similar datasets
• the ability to communicate effectively and to develop and maintain productive collaborations
• excellent analytical, problem solving and programming skills

Career Development

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.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: Prof. Ed Hawkins

Contact Job Title: Professor of Climate Science

Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Dr Oscar Martinez-Alvorado

Alternative Contact Job Title: Senior Research Scientist

Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Diversity and Inclusion

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.