Postdoctoral Research Fellow

European Geosciences Union; Exeter; On-site; GBP 41,000 - GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in the UK seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Earth System Modelling based at the Met Office, Exeter. The role, funded for 3 years, involves developing a new hybrid-resolution UK Earth System Model focused on abrupt climate change. Candidates should have a PhD in a related field and skills in advanced modelling. This position presents an opportunity to contribute to critical research for understanding climate tipping points and engage in a multidisciplinary team dedicated to climate insights.

Qualifications

• Expertise in Earth system modelling tools and techniques.
• Experience in climate science research is preferred.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and apply a new version of the UK’s Earth System Model.
• Investigate interactions of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre and the Greenland ice sheet.
• Support early-warning capabilities for climate tipping points.

Skills

Advanced Earth system modelling

Climate science research

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Earth Sciences or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Earth System Modelling (3 year role)

Employer

University of Leeds

Established in 1904, the University of Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK. We’re part of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and are renowned globally for the quality of our research and teaching.

This role is based at the Met Office, Exeter.

Climate: Past, Present & Future (CL)
Cryospheric Sciences (CR)
Ocean Sciences (OS)

Type

Contract

Level

Experienced

Preferred education

PhD

26 February 2026

Posted

6 February 2026

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Earth System Modelling

Location: Met Office, Exeter (employed through the University of Leeds)
Salary: Grade 7 (£41,064 – £48,822 p.a., depending on experience) - 3 year role

Are you passionate about tackling one of the most pressing scientific challenges of our time?

Do you want to use your expertise to understand the risks, consequences, and early-warning signals of abrupt climate change?

Would you like to contribute to the development of the next generation of the UK’s global climate and Earth system models?

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the UKESM team as part of PROMOTE (Progressing Earth System Modelling for Tipping Point Early Warning Systems), a major ARIA‑funded, multi‑centre research initiative.

About the Role

You will become a key member of the UKESM core team, working at the forefront of climate science to develop, test, and apply a new hybrid‑resolution version of the UK’s Earth System Model, UKESM2.

Your research will focus on understanding abrupt changes in two critical components of the climate system:

• The North Atlantic subpolar gyre (SPG)
• The Greenland ice sheet

Using advanced, high‑resolution Earth system modelling tools, you will investigate how these systems may interact, evolve and potentially undergo rapid transitions. The modelling system you help create may ultimately support early‑warning capabilities for significant climate tipping points.

🌍 Be part of a multidisciplinary team driving real climate insight.