Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This full time post is available from 3 June 2024 on a fixed term basis until 30 May 2025, with the possibility of extension (subject to approval)

The post

The NERC funded project: “Constraining marine boundary layer cloud properties in climate models: CLOSURE” (see https://emps.exeter.ac.uk/aerosol-clouds/research/#closure ) seeks to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of aerosol-cloud-interactions. This will be achieved by using a state-of-the-art modelling framework with extensive, systematic, and simultaneous in situ and remote sensing airborne measurements with two aircraft from the NASA funded ACTIVATE project (see https://activate.larc.nasa.gov/ ), to improve the representation of marine cloud properties in climate models.

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Associate in the aerosols, clouds and climate research group (https://emps.exeter.ac.uk/aerosol-clouds/ ) to participate in the NERC funded project: “Constraining marine boundary layer cloud properties in climate models: CLOSURE” (see https://emps.exeter.ac.uk/aerosol-clouds/research/#closure ). CLOSURE involves researchers from the University of Exeter and The University of Leeds as well as close collaboration with external partners from NASA, The University of Arizona, UK Met Office, and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

CLOSURE seeks to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of aerosol-cloud-interactions (ACI). Improved understand of ACI will be achieved by combining existing state-of-the-art modelling frameworks with extensive, systematic, and simultaneous in situ and remote sensing airborne measurements of cloud and aerosol properties from two aircraft from the NASA funded ACTIVATE project (see https://activate.larc.nasa.gov/ ) as well as remote sensing satellite observations. The findings will be used to improve the representation of small-scale cloud processes in the UK Met Office climate model UKESM1.

This post is funded by the NERC project CLOSURE, grant number: NE/W001713/1 and is available from 3 June 2024 until 30 May 2025, with the possibility of extension (if funding allows).

The successful applicant will predominantly be utilising output from the UKESM1 climate model, its aerosol microphysics model UKCA, and an adiabatic cloud parcel model. They will be expected to evaluate the representation of aerosols and clouds in these models using existing in-situ aircraft observations. Depending on the skills and interests of the applicant, there is flexibility to adjust the focus and the balance of the observation - modelling research pathway pursued.

They will be expected to work closely with colleagues at the University of Exeter, but also with other parties involved in the CLOSURE project including for example, colleagues at the Met Office Hadley Centre and the University of Leeds. They will be expected to produce a peer-reviewed paper 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 cloud model data, an understanding of aerosol – cloud – interactions, 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 cloud model simulations and analysis of climate model 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 percent

 of our research is of international quality and 47 percent 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.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Daniel Partridge, e-mail [email protected] or telephone 01392 724165.

Interviews are expected to take place in May 2024.