Senior Research Associate in Wildfire Research

University of East Anglia; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based university is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to investigate extreme wildfires using machine learning and environmental datasets. This full-time role offers an annual salary of £38,784 with increments, and supports flexible working arrangements. Candidates should possess a postgraduate qualification and strong analytical skills. The position involves leading research, collaborating internationally, and contributing to the State of Wildfires Project.

Benefits

Flexible working options

44 days annual leave

Support for fellowship proposals

Qualifications

• Experience in independent research with publications in relevant fields.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data effectively.
• Experience teaching small classes or overseeing practices is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and interpretation of data.
• Prepare findings for publication and present research.
• Contribute to grant applications and co-supervise researchers.

Skills

Machine learning

Data analysis

Statistical modelling

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Postgraduate level qualification

Job description

Salary on appointment will be £38,784 per annum, with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum.

We seek a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join the School of Environmental Sciences to investigate the causes and consequences of extreme wildfires. The role will involve applying machine learning to study the drivers, trends and impacts of wildfire on society and the environment, using cutting‑edge environmental datasets such as Earth observations from satellite remote sensing, meteorological and climate data, and mapped socioeconomic, land cover, and ecological information. You will work towards delivering a prototype system for predicting the most extreme forms of wildfire that occur on Earth, including megafires.

This is a data analysis and modelling position suitable for researchers working in the general areas of Earth system science, environmental data science, or climate impacts research. Applicants with a background in other highly quantitative and analytical disciplines, but an enthusiasm for studying extreme climate hazards, will also be considered. A background in data analysis, statistical modelling, and machine learning is essential.

This work will be conducted as part of a research team exploring the frontiers of knowledge on extreme wildfires and their impacts. The role comes with additional opportunities to contribute to the State of Wildfires Project, an international collaboration spanning 60 institutions worldwide and co‑led by Dr Matthew Jones at UEA. The post is connected to a project involving industrial partners in the insurance and carbon market sectors, offering opportunities to engage with key stakeholders in wildfire risk research, and to explore career opportunities beyond academia.

As a Senior Research Associate, you will play a key role in shaping the direction of the research, contributing original ideas to study design and advancing the conceptual frameworks used in wildfire and environmental data science. You will lead the analysis and interpretation of data, prepare findings for publication, and present research at conferences and workshops. You will also contribute to grant applications and co‑supervise researchers and postgraduate students within the School. The role will support professional growth, including through support to develop fellowship proposals and broader career development plans.

You will have a postgraduate level qualification, equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant research area. You will also have experience of independent research, have publications in respected journals or equivalent within relevant fields and be able to work in a proactive and results‑driven manner. You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a team. Advanced skills directly relating to this research area and experience teaching small classes and/or overseeing practices would be advantageous.

This full‑time post is available from 2 March 2026 on a fixed‑term basis for 30 months.

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full‑time basis, we consider applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, and hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part‑time), can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 5 January 2026