The NERC Research Associates' Programme is an initiative which is intended to offer individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience of working within a Research Institute, whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills that will be valuable in a range of careers.
The programme is aimed particularly at those who have recently completed postgraduate studies, but is open to individuals from other backgrounds and of all ages. Individuals will work on highly topical research projects, both important for future research within the environmental research community andappropriate to their backgrounds. Research Associates are given specific, measurable objectives which will be intended to develop their skills as a researcher and to demonstrate their suitability for a research career.
Description of work area
Fundamental research on the role of the land surface within the climate system.
Description of specific work to be undertaken and skills to be gained
CEH has a long history in leading research in the area of land surface processes. We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed early-career researcher to work in an active, research-focused team. You will work on a major new international project assessing future climate in West Africa, which CEH is leading. The specific topic of research in this post is to better understand how the land surface influences high impact weather events (eg intense rainfall and dry spells), and how these feedbacks may affect extreme weather in the future. The work will involve extensive use of earth observation datasets of the land surface and atmosphere, alongside outputs from weather and climate model simulations.
The primary roles of this post will be to:
- Develop new techniques using Earth Observation and atmospheric reanalysis data to assess the influence of the land surface on extreme weather
- Analyse atmospheric model output on a range of scales to quantify key land-atmosphere processes, and develop an understanding how the land may influence extreme events in the future.
- Write scientific papers detailing research findings
- Collaborate with partners in the UK, Europe and Africa
The post holder will receive training where required in the use of Earth Observation data, modelling of the land surface and atmosphere. The post holder will be expected to work at times overseas during their training programme.
Skills and qualifications required on appointment
- A 2.1 Degree in either physical sciences or mathematics with elements/modules of computing, plus either a PhD in a numerate science degree, or a Master’s degree with relevant experience
- Knowledge in at least two of the following areas: understanding of meteorological processes, proven ability at using Earth Observation data, skills in running numerical models, understanding of land surface processes
- Proven ability in analysing scientific datasets to a high standard, and presenting results in scientific conferences
- A developing track record of scientific papers
- Proven ability in scientific programming (eg Fortran, Python, IDL, linux)
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Good team working skills and an ability to develop effective internal and external collaborations within the scientific area.
- Good organisational and time management skills, with an ability to work independently and to deadlines
Training and skills you will acquire
- A solid understanding of earth observation datasets of the land surface and atmosphere
- Experience of analysing land and atmospheric model output on a range of scales
- An understanding of processes driving changes in climatic extremes
- Enhanced skills to present results at major or international scientific conferences and confidence to prepare impactful scientific papers
- Enhanced ability in scientific programming (eg Fortran, Python, linux) with an opportunity to develop knowledge of new programming languages
