Postdoctoral Researcher - Mediterranean Cyclones

Mediterranean cyclones can lead to devastating socio-economic impacts, e.g., cyclone Daniel (2023, the deadliest in recorded history) and medicane Ianos (2022) but are far less studied and understood than cyclones tracking over the open ocean basins. One reason for these differences is the modelling challenge of including good representation of diabatic processes, such as convection and heat/moisture fluxes from the ocean, in domains large enough to capture important synoptic-scale dynamics. A postdoctoral researcher is sought for a 3.5-year position to tackle the challenge of investigating processes driving the development of hazardous Mediterranean cyclones in both the current and future climate.

You will work with other researchers in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading, one of the world’s largest research centres focusing on the science of weather and climate, and with partners including the Met Office. Your task is to quantify the influence of diabatic processes on intense Mediterranean cyclones and determine the changes in plausible worst case Mediterranean cyclones with future climate change. You will use a km-scale version of the Met Office’s weather forecast model to simulate these cyclones, including incorporating simplified ocean coupling. Future climate simulations will be downscaled from a large ensemble currently being generated by the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS).

You will have:

• A PhD in atmospheric science, engineering, physics or mathematics (or a closely related subject) or expect shortly to obtain this or equivalent research experience.
• Strong skills in the analysis of observational and/or model data and its interpretation.
• Experience of the development, implementation and critical assessment of complex numerical models.
• Good communication skills and the disposition to collaborate effectively with both internal and external project members.
• The ability to apply your skills and knowledge to analysis of Mediterranean cyclones in a changing climate.

Closing date: 18 July 2024
Interviews will be held: 31st July 2024

Contact Name: Suzanne Gray
Contact Job Title: Professor of Meteorology
Contact Email Address: s.l.gray@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Ambrogio Volonté
Alternative Contact Job Title: Senior Research Fellow
Alternative Contact Email Address: a.volonte@reading.ac.uk

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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