Summary: The Climate Dynamics Lab is seeking a talented and creative postdoctoral researcher to advance understanding of extreme temperatures in a changing climate. Candidates should have a high level of technical skill in data analysis and/or computational modelling, and a strong background in atmospheric science, climate dynamics, geophysical fluid dynamics, or a relevant physical science. The position is initially available for two years with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. 

Motivation: Extreme temperatures are increasing in frequency and intensity as climate warms. The impacts of extreme heat are widespread and severe, with parts of the world potentially becoming uninhabitable by the end of this century. Yet the future of extreme temperatures is highly uncertain: climate models project a wide range of responses, making it difficult to prepare for the escalating effects of extreme heat. This large uncertainty is compounded by limited knowledge of the physical processes shaping the response of extreme temperatures to a changing climate, representing an important challenge to our understanding of the climate system with critical societal impacts.

Role: As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of St Andrews, you will have the opportunity to explore at least one of several research questions under the broad theme of extreme temperatures and climate change, including but not limited to:

• What dynamical and energetic processes constrain how extreme temperatures, both in the tropics and at higher latitudes, respond to climate change?
• By what mechanisms do extreme-temperature events couple to the land surface and boundary-layer humidity?
• Are there asymmetries in the response of extremes to a warming versus a cooling climate? What physical mechanisms control these asymmetries?
• Can large uncertainties in extreme-temperature projections be narrowed using novel emergent constraints?

Depending on your interests and expertise, these questions could be addressed using a range of approaches, including: developing new theory; running idealised and/or comprehensive climate simulations; and novel analyses of model and observational data. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the project lead (Dr Michael Byrne) to discuss potential research topics and approaches in more detail.

Environment: This position is part of the ERC-funded GLOBAL-EX project, the goal of which is to use a hierarchy of climate models, observations, and physical theory to advance fundamental understanding of extreme temperatures. You will join a vibrant team, the Climate Dynamics Lab, dedicated to addressing a range of related questions. In addition, as part of the COASt (Climate, Ocean, and Atmosphere @ St Andrews) group, you will share ideas and expertise with a diverse team of scientists studying past, present, and future climate. More broadly, St Andrews is a growing centre of excellence for climate science and – in partnership with the UK’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) – the University has recently established a new research hub focused on climate and AI.

Requirements: You will have:

• A PhD (or shortly expected to achieve) or equivalent in physical, mathematical, or Earth sciences;
• Enthusiasm for understanding extreme temperatures and their response to climate change; 
• Strong programming skills (in Python or another appropriate language), strong quantitative skills, and experience in scientific data analysis and visualisation;
• A creative approach to problem solving and an excitement to be part of, and contribute to, a dynamic research environment.  
• See the “Key Duties and Responsibilities” section in Further Particulars for a full list of requirements.

Informal enquiries, including for discussion of potential research topics, can be addressed to Dr Michael Byrne (mpb20@st-andrews.ac.uk). 

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• 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

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, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 23 September 2024

Interview Date: 8 October 2024 (tentative)

Please quote ref: AR3025SB

Further Particulars: AR3025SB FPs.docx

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Salary: £37,099 - £44,263 per annum

Start: 3 January 2025 (negotiable)

Fixed term for 2 years