Senior Scientist - Surface Observations R&D

Met Office

Devon and Torbay

Hybrid

GBP 52,577 - 64,260

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service pension

Annual leave starting at 27.5 days

Flexible working options

Job summary

A leading environmental science organization in Exeter is seeking a Senior Scientist for Surface Observations R&D. The role entails designing field trials, analyzing data, and developing software tools in a hybrid work environment. Ideal candidates possess a background in physical science or engineering, along with expertise in Python coding and project leadership. The total reward package is up to £58,419 annually, including a base pay of £41,725 and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

Degree-equivalent background in physical science or engineering with relevant experience.
Leadership experience in scientific or engineering tasks.
Adept at communicating technical knowledge to various audiences.
Proven mentoring ability to guide project delivery.
Familiarity with designing and writing Python code for data analysis.

Responsibilities

Design field trials for meteorological instruments and lead teams.
Analyze data using code to maintain high standards.
Develop processes that enhance team efficiency.
Publish and communicate findings to the scientific community.
Stay updated on advancements in meteorological techniques.

Skills

Scientific problem-solving

Python coding

Data analysis

Mentoring and supporting others

Communication of technical concepts

Education

Degree in physical science or engineering

Tools

Meteorological instruments

Job description

Overview

Senior Scientist - Surface Observations R&D at the Met Office is a full-time role based in Exeter, United Kingdom. Hybrid working (part in the office, part at home) is available. The location advertised will be your contractual place of work. The role is 37 hours per week, with consideration for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

World changing work

From science to technology, from meteorology to management, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are.

We’re a force for good - focusing on our environmental and social impact

We’re experts by nature - always learning and developing to do things better

We live and breathe it - putting our purpose at the heart of decision-making

We’re better together - understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater

We keep evolving - pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers

Your world of expertise

Observations are fundamental to almost everything we do at the Met Office. Our network of surface observations measures the atmosphere and feeds data into models used to predict both weather and climate, as well as providing a historical record of the climate. This work helps people make better decisions to stay safe and thrive.

Your key duties

Designing field trials for meteorological instruments and coordinating a multi-disciplinary team to deliver them.

Analysing data from these trials and those of others, using code that you will have written to a demanding quality standard.

Developing software tools and processes that enable the team to work efficiently and effectively.

Communicating your results and recommendations, including through peer-reviewed publication and working with the international meteorology community.

Proactively developing your skills and knowledge to stay up-to-date with advancements in meteorological measurements and techniques, including developing deep expertise in key observations.

Why join us

Our work is life-changing, often life-saving and always life-enhancing. The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified and featured on Best Workplaces in Tech lists in 2023 and 2024, as well as Best Workplaces for Women in 2023.

Remuneration and benefits

Total reward package up to £58,419 annually, including:

£41,725 base pay

An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%

Annual leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays), rising to 32.5 days after 5 years, with option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year

Essential Criteria, skills and experience

A physical science or engineering background equivalent to degree level and several years of relevant experience.

Experience of leading scientific or engineering tasks to solve a range of scientific or technical challenges, including in unfamiliar areas, with the ability to prioritise between competing activities.

Experience of communicating technical and scientific knowledge accurately and concisely to technical experts, non-specialist stakeholders and decision-makers.

Proven ability to mentor and support others to develop their skills, leading to successful project delivery and improved team collaboration.

Experience of independently designing and writing Python (or similar high-level language) code to produce high-quality analyses of complex environmental datasets.

Experience of applying, promoting and supporting good quality assurance processes in all aspects of your work.

Desirable Criteria

Familiarity with running and/or analysing trials of environmental sensors including processing and interpreting the resulting data.

How to apply

If you share our values, we'd love to hear from you! Please complete your career history and provide evidence against each of the essential criteria in the supporting statement questionnaire. We recommend using the CARL method (Context, Action, Result and Learning).

Closing date: 14/09/2025 at 23:59. First stage interviews may occur from late September. You will hear from us after the closing date.

Using AI in your application

We welcome applications that use AI tools for support in drafting or refining, as long as they reflect your own skills and experience. All hiring decisions at the Met Office are made by people, not AI. For more details, see our recruitment approach.

How we can help

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact us. If you need adjustments to apply, you can request them within your application or by contacting us. If offered an interview, there may be a selection exercise such as a presentation, a written test or scenario-based activity. You can indicate in your application if you want to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Equality and eligibility

We understand that great minds don't always think alike and, as an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.

We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK — please refer to GOV.UK for information. Security clearance is required, and you must have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible. You will need to achieve full security clearance within your first 6 months with us.

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