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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on polar climate science and communicate findings to influence policy.
- Company: Join the Met Office, a leader in weather accuracy and climate prediction.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD-level research experience in climate science or related fields required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're looking for an exceptional Polar Climate Senior Scientist to help us make a difference to our planet. As our Polar Climate Senior Scientist, the job may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in the office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and the location advertised will be your contractual place of work.
Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week, but we would also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and we will also try our best to consider those intending to work a job share. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we'll do our best to agree a working pattern that works for everyone.
World changing work
From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are.
Your world of expertise
An opportunity has arisen to join the Polar Climate team in the Ocean, Cryosphere and Climate (OCC) group, working alongside other members of the group and the wider Met Office, as a Polar Climate senior scientist. This is an exciting time to join us as we focus research to further our understanding of polar climate science and climate change in polar regions, producing scientific outputs that contribute directly to government policy outcomes.
You will be a key member of the Polar Climate team which undertakes:
- Scientific research to evaluate observed, and projected, changes to the polar climate system, and to further our understanding of the role polar regions play within the wider climate system.
- Development and evaluation of the sea ice model configurations used within all Met Office systems - from short-range prediction on weather timescales, to long-term climate projection.
- Communication of scientific understanding on present and future polar climate change to government and media, and through peer-reviewed science, with a focus on sea ice in particular.
Job Purpose
We seek an enthusiastic and experienced senior scientist to work within the Polar Climate Group to perform novel scientific research to further our understanding of polar climate science and climate change in polar regions, with a focus on marine and cryosphere.
- Deliver novel scientific research, to enhance our collective understanding of observed changes to the polar climate system and the potential impact of polar changes on the wider climate system, including the UK.
- Analysis and interpretation of climate model output to improve and constrain future projections of polar climate change, in particular for sea ice.
- Perform research to improve the understanding and representation of physical processes in climate models important for polar climate modelling and projection.
- Communicate own work, including via peer-reviewed scientific papers and attendance at workshops and conferences, to enhance the scientific reputation of the Met Office and the Polar Climate Group.
- Contribute to, and where appropriate lead, briefing of UK government stakeholders to ensure that policymakers are equipped with the latest polar climate science.
Our work is life-changing, often life-saving and always life-enhancing. The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified. We are also featured on their 'Best Workplaces in Tech' 2023, 2024 and 2025 lists, as well as their '54 Best Workplaces for Women' 2023 list.
Essential Criteria, skills and experience:
- Proven track record of delivering high quality research, in a mathematical or physically based science, equivalent to a PhD plus relevant postdoctoral research experience.
- EITHER: demonstrated experience of working with the physical polar climate system, ocean or cryosphere; OR: experience in a related field and a proven ability to quickly learn new science areas, techniques or concepts.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with a strong/improving publication record and the ability to communicate scientific and/or technical concepts to a broad range of audiences.
- Demonstrated evidence of experience in the development and use of scientific software, including familiarity with scientific programming languages.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently on challenging scientific or technical problems and to deliver high quality scientific output in a timely fashion through effective planning.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others to deliver new scientific understanding and/or technical system improvements.
How to apply
If you share our values, we’d love to hear from you! Click apply to begin your application. Please complete your career history and provide evidence against each of the essential criteria in the supporting statement questionnaire. We recommend candidates use the CARL method (Context, Action, Result and Learning) for presenting evidence of experience and skills.
Closing date 08/02/2026 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 16/02/2026. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.
Using AI in your application
We welcome applications that use AI tools for support in drafting or refining, as long as they accurately reflect your own skills and experience. All hiring decisions at the Met Office are made by people, not AI.
How we can help
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact us. If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch. You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. Should you be offered an interview, please be aware there may be a selection exercise which could include a presentation, written test or a scenario-based activity. You can select in your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme. To be invited to interview/assessment under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role.
We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.
We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information. We require Security clearance, for which you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible, 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application. You will need to achieve full security clearance within your first 6 months with us.
Polar Climate Senior Scientist employer: Met Office
Contact Detail:
Met Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Polar Climate Senior Scientist
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the polar climate field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your research and insights on polar climate science. This is your moment to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before any interview, do your homework! Understand the Met Office’s current projects and challenges in polar climate science. Tailor your responses to show how your skills can directly contribute to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Met Office.
We think you need these skills to ace Polar Climate Senior Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Polar Science: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for polar climate science shine through! We want to see how your experiences and interests align with our mission to understand and tackle climate change in polar regions.
Use the CARL Method: Make sure to structure your supporting statement using the CARL method (Context, Action, Result, Learning). This helps us see not just what you did, but how you approached challenges and what you learned along the way.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role of Polar Climate Senior Scientist. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Met Office.
How to prepare for a job interview at Met Office
✨Know Your Polar Climate Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest research and developments in polar climate science. Familiarise yourself with key concepts, especially around sea ice and its implications for the wider climate system. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves communicating complex scientific ideas to various audiences, practice explaining your research in simple terms. Use the CARL method (Context, Action, Result, Learning) to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to follow your thought process.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
The Met Office values teamwork, so be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the past. Highlight any projects where you contributed to a team effort, especially those that led to significant scientific advancements or improvements in processes.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Be aware that there may be a selection exercise during your interview, such as a presentation or scenario-based activity. Prepare a short presentation on a relevant topic or think through how you would approach a specific problem related to polar climate science. This will demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the role.
