Job Description

Full time. Fixed Term Role (up to 30 months)

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Closing Date: 23:59

on 22 June 2025

Interviews will be held: date to be confirmed

The National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) at the Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development and evaluation of physical processes in our world-leading Earth System Model.


Your role will focus on improving the representation of the snow and ice albedo of the Greenland ice sheet in the land surface component (JULES) of the UK Earth System Model (UKESM). You will develop methods to account for the darkening effects of meltwater ponds, black carbon, and microbial activity on the ice sheet surface. You will also carry out JULES and UKESM simulations so that you can evaluate your improvements by comparing the simulations to observationally-derived data products. The uniquely sophisticated, interactive representation of ice sheets in UKESM means that this post is an opportunity to work at the forefront of cryospheric science in global Earth System modelling.


This position is part of a broader initiative to improve several key model components in UKESM - including the representation of the ice sheet, land/snow surface, and ocean processes - and is a key component of the PROMOTE project in the ARIA "Forecasting Tipping Points" programme. PROMOTE aims to improve our understanding of the risks and impacts of tipping of the Greenland ice sheet and the North Atlantic sub polar gyre.


The position is for a fixed term of 30 months, to start 1st July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You will have:

Knowledge in cryosphere surface processes and issues in polar climate change Experience, at PhD (or soon to obtain PhD) or equivalent level, in a physical or environmental science Significant skills in numerical modelling of physical systems using complex computer codes Ability to write viable scientific publications Ability to form effective working relationships

In Reading, you will be part of the NCAS Climate and Ice Sheets group and will work with colleagues in the PROMOTE project team and other projects contributing to UKESM development across several NERC research centres and universities in the UK.


We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Name:

Charlotte Lang

Contact Job Title:

Research Scientist

Contact Email address:

charlotte.lang@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name:

Robin Smith

Alternative Contact Job Title:

Associate Professor

Alternative Contact Email address:

r.s.smith@reading.ac.uk


The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.