Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full time post is available from 1 April 2024 on a fixed term basis until 31 March 2027.

Summary of the role

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to participate in a NERC funded Pushing the Frontiers project entitled T he W ide-ranging I mpacts of ST ratospheric smoke A erosols (TWISTA).

A new climate change threat has been identified. Smoke aerosol generated by intense wildfires has recently been detected in the stratosphere in both hemispheres. We hypothesise that the projected increase in frequency and intensity of wildfires under all future climate scenarios poses an increasing threat to the Antarctic ozone-hole recovery predicted under the Montreal Protocol, may play a role in future Arctic ozone depletion, and can influence key dynamical modes of climate variability. The overarching objectives of TWISTA are to:-

(i) utilize in-situ and remote sensing observations and synergistic multi-scale modelling to improve our understanding of stratospheric smoke events and their impacts on ozone and climate.

(ii) quantify the impacts of these events in seasonal predictions and future climate simulations.

This NERC-funded post is available from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2027, with the possibility of extension.

The successful applicant will predominantly be utilising the UKESM1 climate model. They will be expected to modify an existing volcanic plume rise scheme to accurately simulate the injection heights of large wildfire smoke plumes that have been observed in North America, Siberia, and S.E. Australia and to adjust the smoke aerosol absorption properties to best represent the impacts of ‘self-lofting’ into the stratosphere. The successful candidate will use satellite observations to validate the modelling and will perform centennial-scale climate simulations to examine the impacts of the modelled sharp increase in intense wildfires on smoke plume penetration into the stratosphere and the impacts on stratospheric ozone depletion. A small amount of observational/lab work may also be required to assess the radiative properties of aerosols resulting from combustion of boreal and eucalyptus fuel-stocks using the University of Exeter’s state-of-the-art wildfire laboratory.        

The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with colleagues at the University of Exeter, but also with other parties involved in the TWISTA project including colleagues at the Met Office Hadley Centre, and the Universities of Leeds, Cambridge and Lancaster. They will be expected to produce peer-reviewed papers documenting the results.   

About you

At Grade F: The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in maths, physics, computer-science, meteorology, or a related numerate scientific discipline. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in atmospheric sciences and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to perform analysis of climate model and/or satellite derived climate data and will preferably have an appreciation of the role of aerosols in climate change.

At Grade E: The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess or be nearing completion of a relevant PhD  or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be expected to learn how to perform analysis of climate model and/or satellite derived climate data and will preferably have an appreciation of the role of aerosols in climate change.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99% of our research is of international quality and 47% is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

Further information

Please contact Prof Jim Haywood, e-mail [email protected] or telephone 07785 118991.

Interviews are expected to take place in February/March 2024.