Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow at University of Exeter

The NERC funded project: “Constraining marine boundary layer cloud properties in climate models: CLOSURE” (see https://emps.exeter.ac.uk/aerosol-clouds/research/#closure) seeks to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of aerosol-cloud-interactions. This will be achieved by using a state-of-the-art modelling framework with extensive, systematic, and simultaneous in situ and remote sensing airborne measurements with two aircraft from the NASA funded ACTIVATE project (see https://activate.larc.nasa.gov/), to improve the representation of marine cloud properties in climate models.

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/). CLOSURE involves researchers from the University of Exeter and The University of Leeds as well as close collaboration with external partners from NASA, The University of Arizona, UK Met Office, and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

CLOSURE seeks to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of aerosol-cloud-interactions (ACI). Improved understand of ACI will be achieved by combining existing state-of-the-art modelling frameworks with extensive, systematic, and simultaneous in situ and remote sensing airborne measurements of cloud and aerosol properties from two aircraft from the NASA funded ACTIVATE project (see https://activate.larc.nasa.gov/) as well as remote sensing satellite observations. The findings will be used to improve the representation of small-scale cloud processes in the UK Met Office climate model UKESM1.

This NERC funded project is available from 3 June 2024 until 30 May 2025, with the possibility of extension (if funding allows).

You will predominantly be utilising output from the UKESM1 climate model, its aerosol microphysics model UKCA, and an adiabatic cloud parcel model. They will be expected to evaluate the representation of aerosols and clouds in these models using existing in-situ aircraft observations. 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.

About you

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion for Associate level) or equivalent qualification/experience in maths, physics, computer-science, meteorology, or a related numerate scientific discipline 

At Grade F: You 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 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 analysis of climate model and/or cloud model data, an understanding of aerosol – cloud – interactions, and will preferably have an appreciation of the role of aerosols in climate change.

At Grade E: You 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 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 cloud model simulations and analysis of climate model data, and will preferably have an appreciation of the role of aerosols in climate change.

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

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