Job Description

Applications are invited for a committed Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an exciting new research team led by Dr Daphne Lemasquerier, working on the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) project titled: "Fluid Dynamics of Deep Interiors in the Outer Solar System." This position will focus on developing innovative laboratory experiments of rotating horizontal convection, with a particular emphasis on their application to subsurface oceans of icy moons.



The UKRI-funded FLF project aims to advance our understanding of fluid dynamics processes within gas giants and icy moons. This will be achieved through a multi-method approach, combining rotating fluid mechanics experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. On the one hand, the goal is to better understand generic fluid dynamics processes involving waves, turbulence, rotation, stratification, topographic and buoyancy effects. On the other hand, these results will be used to deduce properties of the Jovian and ocean worlds dynamics that are inaccessible to direct measurements.


As a key member of the team, the successful candidate will lead the design and construction of a novel experimental setup to study rotating horizontal convection, using a recently acquired state-of-the-art rotating table located in the Scottish Oceans Institute. You will join a growing team comprising another PDRA and two PhD students, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to broader project themes, including wave-mean flow interactions relevant to gas giant atmospheres, and interactions between convection, topography, and phase-change boundaries. Significant budget will be available for experimental equipment and consumables, as well as international travel. Career development opportunities will be proposed to the successful applicant, including opportunities to visit and collaborate with researchers from leading universities, build their academic profile and network, publish independent work, develop their skills and apply to external funding.


We welcome applications from candidates who hold, or will hold before starting the position, a PhD in fluid dynamics or a cognate discipline. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their research


The post is available for 24 months starting in January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of

staff benefits

including:

Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays Financial contribution to relocation Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy, a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters

Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be addressed to Dr Daphne Lemasquerier, email: d.lemasquerier@st-andrews.ac.uk.



Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.



Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 29 August 2025

Please quote ref: AR3180DD

School of Mathematics & Statistics



Salary: 38,784 - 42,254 per annum



Start Date: January 2026



Fixed Term: 24 months

School/Unit:

School of Mathematics and Statistics

Posted:

15/08/2025

Closing date:

29/08/2025

Closing time:

23:59