Postdoctoral Researcher – Arctic Atmospheric Dynamics(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a cutting-edge research project exploring the dynamics of Arctic weather systems. The Arctic is experiencing rapid warming, which introduces significant uncertainty in climate projections and increases vulnerability to high-impact weather events both in the Arctic and at mid-latitudes. Understanding these changes is critical for improving predictions of extreme weather and long-term climate trends.

This role offers the opportunity to work on a new scientific paradigm that suggests Arctic atmospheric dynamics are fundamentally different from mid-latitude systems. Rather than wave-dominated dynamics associated with jet streams, Arctic systems appear to be governed by multi-scale vortex interactions. This distinction may hold important implications for atmospheric predictability and climate modelling.

You will collaborate with leading scientists at the University of Reading, University of Oxford, and the Met Office, and contribute to a major NERC-funded project. Your work will involve analyzing Arctic flow structures, exploring idealized simulations of vortex behavior, and applying your findings to real-world case studies — including those observed during the 2022 Arctic Summertime Cyclones flight campaign.

Key Responsibilities

Characterized Arctic atmospheric flow structures using observational, reanalysis, and model datasets

Explore the parameter space of vortex dynamics using theory and idealized quasi-geostrophic model simulations

Conduct case study analysis with output from operational and customized Met Office models

Evaluate the implications of your research for predictability of Arctic weather systems

Collaborate with internal and external research teams, contributing to publications and presentations

About You

You will have:

A PhD (or be close to completion) in atmospheric science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related field

Strong experience in analyzing observational, model, or reanalysis data related to atmospheric dynamics

Skills in implementing and critically evaluating idealized and/or complex atmospheric numerical models

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

An interest in applying your expertise to improve understanding of polar atmospheric systems

Visa Sponsorship

By reference to the relevant SOC code for this role, sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route (SWR) may be possible. Applicants considering this route should ensure they meet the eligibility and points requirements before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are proud supporters of the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ inclusion. We are also a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for part-time, job-share, and flexible working arrangements are welcome and will be considered in line with project requirements.