Senior Research Associate

Climate Data Scientist (Fixed term until 31 March 2028)

Starting salary from £38,249 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £45,413 per annum.

Do you want to apply your research skills to develop and update some of the best known and most widely used global observational datasets in climate science? In this exciting role you will work with the CRUTEM global land temperature dataset – part of the HadCRUT global temperature dataset that we produce collaboratively with the Met Office – as well as with the CRU TS global land dataset, which includes variables such as precipitation, cloud cover, and drought.

The role has two complementary components. First, you will undertake research that will lead to significant improvements to these climate datasets. This could include more comprehensive assessment of their uncertainties, improving the consistency between climate variables, and incorporating rescued historical data. Second, you will be responsible for regularly updating these datasets. You will also have the opportunity to think creatively about new ways to present, visualise and enhance the accessibility of these datasets to maximise their usability across a broad range of applications.

Whilst you will be employed by UEA, you will also be considered as a staff member for the UK’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), which provides long-term funding for this role. NCAS is a world-leading research centre, dedicated to advancing atmospheric science. In this role you will join UEA’s Climatic Research Unit (within the School of Environmental Sciences). Together, NCAS and UEA offer a vibrant research community, providing an excellent environment for developing and testing new ideas in climate science. 

You will have a postgraduate level qualification, equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant research area (e.g. climate science, meteorology, environmental science, earth science, or data science). You will also have strong IT and data science skills, including coding experience. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a team. You will be expected to present your scientific results at conferences and write them up for journal publications, in collaboration with others in the project team.  

This full-time post is available from 1 June 2025 until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of further extension subject to grant funding. 

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days can be found on our benefits page.  

Closing date: 28 March 2025

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

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