Job Description

Salary

The starting salary will be from 34,610 on Grade E and from 43,482 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

03/09/2025

Job reference

Q08065

Environment, Science and Economy

This new full-time post is available from October 2025 date/immediately on a fixed term basis.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Associate in the aerosols, clouds and climate research group (https://emps.exeter.ac.uk/aerosol-clouds/) to participate in the NERC Southern Ocean Clouds (SOC) project (https://cloudsense.ac.uk/soc/) as part of the Uncertainty in Climate Sensitivity due to Clouds (CloudSense2) programme, and the Horizon Europe Clouds and climate transitioning to post-fossil aerosol regime (CleanCloud) project (https://projects.au.dk/cleancloud/cleancloud-project).

The postholder will perform numerical atmospheric model simulations using the UK Met Office Earth System Model (UKESM1) and analyse these to identify processes controlling the representation of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) sources in pristine environments. The postholder will apply novel explainable AI (machine learning) statistical tools to data from UKESM1, ERA5 reanalysis and observations to uncover model structural uncertainty due to unresolved processes associated with aerosol - cloud interactions.

This main aim of the position is to investigate how well sources of natural aerosols and their interactions with clouds are captured by climate models. The overarching objectives are to:-

(i) utilise in-situ and remote sensing observations and synergistic multi-scale modelling to improve our understanding of natural aerosols sources and their interaction with clouds.

(ii) quantify the impacts of natural aerosols on clouds properties and the representation of their interactions on climate model simulations.

Depending on the skills and interests of the applicant, there is flexibility to adjust the focus and the balance of the observation - modelling research pathway pursued. There is also the possibility depending on the skills of the applicant to analyse additional climate models, such as EC-EARTH and ICON-HAM, through collaborations as part of the Horizon CleanCloud project.

The applicant will be expected to work closely with colleagues at the University of Exeter, but also with other national and international parties involved in the CloudSense2 SOC and CleanCloud projects, including for example, colleagues at the UK Met Office Hadley Centre. They will be expected to produce a peer-reviewed paper documenting the results.

This post is funded by the NERC CloudSense2 programme, grant number: NE/T006285/1 and the Horizon Europe Cluster 5 project CleanCloud (EU grant agreement


101137639). The UK element of the Horizon Europe project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government's Horizon Europe funding guarantee, grant number EP/Y037049/1.

This post is available from October 2025 until 31st December 2027, with the possibility of extension (if funding allows).

About you

Candidates should have experience in developing and/or running large scale models and experience in statistical analysis. Candidates should have experience in atmospheric science or climate science and demonstrate a strong interest in modelling aerosol-cloud-interaction processes.

At 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 maths, physics, computer-science, meteorology, or a related numerate scientific discipline. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in atmospheric sciences 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. Applicants will be able to perform model simulations and analysis of climate model data, and will preferably have an appreciation of the role of aerosol and/or clouds in climate change.

At 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 or be nearing completion of a relevant PhD 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. Applicants will be expected to learn how to perform model simulations and analysis of climate model data, and will preferably have an appreciation of the role of aerosols and/or clouds in climate change.

Please ensure you read the and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

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% of our research is of international quality and 47% 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.

For further information please contact Dr Daniel Partridge, e-mail d.g.partridge@exeter.ac.uk or telephone 01392 724165.