Job Description

Salary

The starting salary will be from 34,132 (Grade E) to 42,882 (Grade F), depending on qualifications and experience.

Contractual hours

36.5

Package

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Job category/type

Research

Date posted

09/07/2025

Job reference

Q06897

Environment, Science and Economy Faculty.

This is a fixed term contract starting from October 2025 - 30th September 2027.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to support the work of Prof David Stephenson. This NERC funded post is available for 2 years from 1 October 2025. The successful applicant will contribute to the research activities of the 4SEE project, which examines the so-called 'signal-to-noise paradox' in climate predictions and projections.

In seasonal climate prediction, numerical climate models are used to forecast the evolution of the atmosphere and ocean for the next few months. These models produce forecasts of North Atlantic and European climate that, on average, better predict the real world than themselves. Given that models and initial conditions are imperfect, one might expect the opposite. This has become known as the signal-to-noise paradox (SNP). The SNP is interpreted as an underestimation of the predictable signal in models, but its root cause remains a mystery. The post will contribute to the 4SEE project which aims to identify the physical causes of the SNP and develop pathways to eradicate it.

The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Prof David Stephenson, Prof James Screen and Prof Adam Scaife and join a large team of world-leading scientists including at the Met Office. The successful applicant will develop and rigorously test new statistical methods to diagnose the SNP, including parametric and non-parametric approaches. Once optimal approaches have been found, they will be applied to large ensembles of climate predictions. They will develop continuous-in-time coupled time-series models and apply them to observations and models to diagnose the causes of weak predictable signals, and to recalibrate long-term climate projections.

About you

The successful applicant will have relevant experience that involves mathematical development and application of statistical models. They will be able to develop and apply statistical models, to efficiently analyse large data sets from climate model ensembles, requiring competency in scientific programming and data visualisation, and to write papers for high-impact scientific journals.

For Grade E

The successful applicant 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 a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) 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.

For 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 a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in statistics 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.

Please ensure you read the and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research; Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career


A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof David Stephenson (D.B.Stephenson@exeter.ac.uk)