Research Assistant/Associate in Climate

Salary:

Research Assistant:  £32,296 to £33,882 per annum

Research Associate: £34,866 to £40,247 per annum

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

The Role

We are seeking a Researcher to work on the ‘Role of natural climate variability in modulating climate projections' project in the Climate+ Co-Centre. The Climate+ Co-Centre is a new initiative to address water challenges on the Islands of Ireland and Great Britain. Led by Trinity College, Dublin; Queens University Belfast, University of Reading; UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Newcastle University, it is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Climate+ Co-Centre brings together over 60 leading researchers from 14 academic partner institutions in the UK over a six-year period. It will undertake research, providing evidence and urgently needed solutions for the interlinked climate change, biodiversity loss and water quality degradation crises on the islands of Ireland and Great Britain, and globally. More information about the Climate+ Co-Centre can be found here.

You will develop methods to examine the role of natural climate variability in modulating climate projections for different global warming levels. The GWLs concept provides projections of how the climate will look if global temperatures are stabilised at e.g. 1.5°C, 2°C or 3°C. Current projections of future change tend to focus upon the multi-model ensemble mean to extract a best estimate of the likely change. This down weights the substantial role of natural variability which could augment or mask an underlying climate signal on decadal to multi-decadal timescales, especially regionally over Ireland & the UK. This project aims to undertake research into and quantification of the potential impacts of natural variability on climate change projections through the balance of this century on the British and Irish Isles working with another researcher to be appointed at Reading University. Therefore, we are looking for candidates who can work well with other members of the team at Newcastle, as well as our academic collaborators.

You will use the latest model simulations from large ensembles including: (1) CMIP6 projections; (2) UKCP18 projections for the whole of Ireland & the UK; (3) Existing downscaled simulations of CMIP5 and CMIP6 with a specific GWL focus; (4) Regional climate projections produced by ICHEC (downscaled CMIP5&6), Met Eireann (TRANSLATE) and EURO-CORDEX; (5) Specific stabilized climate simulations.

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter is a supporting statement, and you should outline how you meet the essential criteria of the role and evidence this with examples.

For informal queries regarding the project or the role, please contact Professor Hayley Fowler (hayley.fowler@newcastle.ac.uk)

The position is fixed term for a period of 2 years with a view for the successful appointee to commence employment as soon as possible. The position if offered on a full-time basis (37 hours per week), based on site in Newcastle. We would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working.

Interviews will be held 6th & 7th March 2025.

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