Research Scientist(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Reading is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), focusing on the impacts of climate change on extreme North Atlantic storms.

This role forms part of the NERC-funded project “Diabatic Rossby Waves: An Unexplored Climate Threat”, which aims to improve our understanding of how climate change influences diabatically-driven extratropical cyclones (ETCs) — particularly those responsible for the most intense and high-impact weather events in the North Atlantic.

You will work with state-of-the-art, high-resolution climate model simulations from the new CANARI Large Ensemble, applying innovative analysis techniques to assess how these extreme storm systems may evolve in a warming climate.

Key Responsibilities

• Adapt and apply an existing Diabatic Rossby Wave (DRW) detection algorithm to large climate model datasets.
• Assess how well DRWs are represented in climate models by comparing them with reanalysis data.
• Quantify projected future changes in DRW frequency, structure, and intensity.
• Conduct km-scale dynamical downscaling experiments to explore the role of model resolution in storm evolution and impacts.
• Collaborate with project partners and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and outreach activities.

About You

Essential:

• PhD (or near completion) in meteorology, atmospheric science, physics, mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills (ideally in Python).
• Solid understanding of weather and climate processes, particularly in atmospheric dynamics.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Effective communication skills for disseminating complex scientific findings.

Desirable:

• Experience working with large climate or reanalysis datasets.
• Background in numerical modelling or high-performance computing.
• Evidence of research publications or conference presentations in relevant areas.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of climate and high-impact weather research.
• Access to world-class computational and data resources through NCAS and the University of Reading’s Meteorology Department.
• Supportive, collaborative environment with excellent career development opportunities.
• Active participation in a major international project shaping the understanding of future storm risk in a changing climate.

Additional Information

Visa Sponsorship:
Sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route (SWR) may be possible for this role. Applicants should check eligibility on the official UK Visas and Immigration website
before applying.

Location:
This is a campus-based position, and regular on-site presence is expected.

Diversity and Inclusion:
The University of Reading is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We proudly support the Athena SWAN, Race Equality, and LGBT+ charters and are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).
Applications for part-time, job-share, and flexible working are welcomed and considered in line with operational needs.