NCAS is a world-leading research institution dedicated to advancing understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and climate system. In 2024, NCAS, in collaboration with the School of Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences established a new multi-disciplinary research group - ”Theory Observation and Modelling of the Atmosphere and Climate “(TOMAC) - at the University of St Andrews. Applications are sought for two (open-ended) Research Scientist positions to work with Dr. Ioana Colfescu as part of the new  TOMAC group.

This is a unique opportunity for you to join and directly contribute to building a new multi-disciplinary team which will drive innovative research at the intersection of atmospheric science, fundamental geophysical fluid dynamics, high-performance computing and machine learning. An ideal candidate would have both excellent computational skills (e.g., in climate modelling or machine learning/AI) and a strong understanding of physical climate and weather science. However, candidates with climate science expertise and a keen interest in computational modelling and machine learning OR candidates with computational science expertise and a keen interest in climate and weather science will also be considered. The successful candidates will conduct high-impact research at the intersection of climate/weather science and computational modelling, with the goals of advancing understanding of climate and weather processes and enhancing predictive modelling capabilities.

The primary duties will be to conduct original and innovative research and contribute to NCAS-St Andrews research (including development of research grant proposals, related academic activities at the University of St Andrews and across NCAS from  supervision of PhD or  Masters students to being part of outreach activities).

The successful applicant will have a PhD or equivalent (or shortly expected to be awarded a PhD) in climate science, atmospheric science, physics, applied mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related quantitative field.

The post is standard subject to continued funding. 

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 personalised support on health matters

For informal enquiries about the position, please contact Dr Ioana Colfescu (ic98@st-andrews.ac.uk)

Applications are particularly welcome from minorities, 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: 7 October 2024             

Please quote ref: AR3034RH                   

Further Particulars - AR3034RH FP's.doc

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and School of Mathematics and Statistics

Salary: £37,099 - £40,521 per annum

Start date: January 2025

Duration of Post: Standard subject to continued funding