Senior Research Associate – MARS / IceDice
School of Mathematical Sciences
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Sunday 26 July 2026
Interview Date: Friday 07 August 2026
Reference: 0540-26
About The Role
The School of Mathematical Sciences at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate (SRA) to work within ‘MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems’, contributing to the NERC-funded project ‘IceDice: Predicting the stochastic behaviour of West Antarctica’s Marine Ice Sheet’. This role focuses on developing probabilistic forecasts of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet’s contribution to future sea level rise, supporting coastal planning and climate adaptation worldwide.
In this position you will work as part of a collaborative team spanning the British Antarctic Survey and the University of Cambridge. Based at Lancaster, you will collaborate closely with Dr Henry Moss and other experts to develop Bayesian machine learning methods, including physics‑informed Gaussian processes and neural operators, to build accurate probability density functions of future Antarctic sea level contributions.
Responsibilities
- Develop machine learning emulators for the WAVI ice‑sheet model to serve as efficient surrogates for large‑scale Bayesian inference.
- Develop utility‑function‑based experimental design methods to identify the computer simulations and observational surveys that maximise information about future sea level for a given computational cost.
- Work closely with ice‑sheet modellers at the British Antarctic Survey to apply probabilistic methods to realistic West Antarctic domains.
- Publish high‑quality research in leading peer‑reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
What We’re Looking For
- PhD in statistics, machine learning, physics or a closely related discipline.
- Research experience in Bayesian methods, probabilistic modelling, or scientific machine learning.
- Experience with Gaussian processes, MCMC methods, or uncertainty quantification for expensive computational simulators.
- An interest in applying mathematical methods to real‑world environmental challenges, and willingness to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries.
- Experience with Python, or equivalent scientific computing languages.
This is a full‑time, fixed‑term position for 22 months or until 31/08/2028 (whichever comes first). Flexible working arrangements will be considered, but you will be expected to be present on the Lancaster campus a minimum of two days per week.
For more information or to discuss the role, please contact Dr Henry Moss at h.moss@lancaster.ac.uk.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability, or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, equality of opportunity and fair employment practice.
Senior Research Associate – MARS / IceDice - 0540-26 employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
