Senior Research Associate in Data Science for Climate (Fixed Term)

About the Role

Computational modelling is at the core of climate science, where complex models of earth systems are key to the scientific process. Most models embed significant inherent and accidental complexity which hampers verification and maintenance, reproducibility, and performance. Furthermore, modern models are exceptionally data-rich, both in terms of observational inputs and simulation outputs. There is consequently a pressing need for multi-disciplinary research, bringing together computer science, data science and climate science to deliver new high-quality, high-performance, and high-assurance models capable of yielding real transformational insights into our changing climate. Fostering such multi-disciplinary research is the aim of this 3-year Early Career Advanced Fellowship in the Institute of Computing for Climate Science (ICCS) at the University of Cambridge.

The institute is a joint venture between the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, the Department of Computer Science and Technology and University Information Services, thanks to a philanthropic donation from Schmidt Futures. ICCS is improving understanding of our changing climate through the development and dissemination of models for scientific computing. ICCS hosts a team of Research Software Engineers who work directly with six international Virtual Earth Systems Research Institutes (VESRI) to address computation and research software needs of climate scientists. This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to carry out foundational research for an outstanding research scientist with expertise in working across the interfaces between data science, computer science and climate science. As part of the University of Cambridge, ICCS has a significant education and training component, through the commitment towards sharing its scientific insights openly and broadly, and will contribute strongly to Cambridge Zero, the University's climate change initiative, that is identifying routes to the creation of a sustainable, zero-carbon future for all.

The Senior Research Associate (SRA) will be based in DAMTP and affiliated with Queens' College. This is a three-year appointment including research expenses support, allowing the SRA to apply for other sources of funding as principal investigator.

Duties include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects and managing research budgets. You are responsible for the investigation and delivery of your own research programmes, and assessing, interpreting and evaluating the outcomes. You are expected to extend and apply knowledge, contribute to publications, present, and communicate complex ideas to those with limited knowledge. You need to be able to identify sources of funding, help secure funds and develop links with external contacts. You may be expected to contribute towards teaching programmes, supervise postgraduate research students, mentor colleagues and carry out appraisals. Teaching experience and experience of research supervision is desirable.

About you

Essential requirements for the role(s) of SRA include:

• PhD in a subject area relevant to climate science, data science or computer science.

• Normally at least three years' research experience (obtained in either academic or industrial settings).

• A strong track record in one or more relevant research areas.

• Evidence of high-quality research outputs.

• Evidence of potential for collaborations.

• Managing research budgets and programmes and obtaining sources of funding.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please indicate the contact details (email address) of three academic referees on the online application form and upload a full CV, publications list, a description of your recent research, current research and future research interests (not to exceed two pages). Please ensure that at least two of your referees is contactable at any time during the selection process, and is made aware that they will be contacted by the HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System.

If you have any questions regarding the role or the application process, please contact Colm-cille P. Caulfield: [email protected] .

Please quote reference LE39870 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
Apply online