Postdoctoral Research Fellow/ Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Associate of three year duration to work on modelling deliberate climate intervention to cool the planet and counterbalance the impacts of global warming. This post is fully funded by Quadrature Climate Foundation and available from 2^nd January 2025 (negotiable) until 1^st January 2028, with the possibility of extension (subject to approval)

The climate crisis means that the targets set by COP21 may soon be exceeded leading to increasingly damaging climate impacts. While stringent mitigation methods are obviously essential, greenhouse gas concentrations and the associated global warming and climate change are projected to continue to increase under all future scenarios exposing the Earth to increasingly damaging extreme events and potential tipping points. The successful applicant will be expected to work on modelling the impacts of solar radiation modification (SRM) to provide an objective assessment of their feasibility.

We propose developing a novel emulator of the climate outcomes of SAI which depends on the method of injection (amount, latitude, season, height), using an approach similar to that developed for predicting the climatic impacts of explosive volcanic eruptions (Marshall et al., 2019) for UKESM1. A statistical climate emulator is trained on climate model data and is thus much faster to run providing results relevant to policymakers that will be available almost instantaneously. This work will help narrow down optimal strategies for any potential future deployment. Candidates should have strong experience in climate modelling, preferably with the UKESM1 climate model, and an interest in machine learning and emulator development.

The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with colleagues at the University of Exeter, but also with colleagues at the Met Office Hadley Centre. 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/aerosol-cloud process model/machine learning as appropriate to the positions noted above, and will have an appreciation of the role of aerosols in climate change.

At Grade E: Applicants 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 to perform analysis of climate model/aerosol-cloud process model/machine learning as appropriate to the positions noted above, and will have an appreciation of the role of aerosols in climate change.

For further information please contact Prof Jim Haywood, j.m.haywood@exeter.ac.uk

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