At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research on Earth's radiation belts and develop innovative computational models.
- Company: Join the British Antarctic Survey, a leader in scientific research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for grant funding, and a chance to publish your work.
- Other info: Collaborate with top scientists and supervise Ph.D. students in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space science while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in physics or related field, with strong programming and modelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 52907 - 58198 £ per year.
- Description
- British Antarctic Survey
- Contract type
- Open ended appointment
- Location
- Cambridge
- Salary
- E S2 £52,907 - £58,198 / F S2 £64,463 - £70,909 - depending on experience
- Closing date
- 30/08/2026
- Interview date
- 25/09/2026
Background/Overview
Purpose
BAS has a track record of world-leading research on the Earth’s radiation belts.
This has resulted in the creation of the BAS Radiation Belt Model (BAS-RBM) that is now licensed to the Met.
Office and provides hourly forecasts to the European Space Agency (ESA).
Current research at BAS includes developing new models with extended energy ranges, improving our understanding of wave-particle interactions in the radiation belts, increasing our understanding of how to model storm-time dynamics, characterising precipitation into the atmosphere and incorporating data assimilation into radiation belt models.
This work is supported by a mixture of grants, contracts and Ph.
D. funding.
BAS is now seeking to appoint someone who can contribute to our research on radiation belt modelling and develop their skills to lead this work in the future.
The post can be appointed at either Band E or Band F, depending on experience.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate significant experience developing computational models and have a background in magnetospheric physics, preferably in radiation belt physics.
Candidates with appropriate leadership experience and a proven ability to win competitive funding may be appointed at the higher band.
For further details see the skills specification.
Duties
- Band E
- Develop a leading role in BAS’s research on the radiation belts and expand its scope.
- Lead applications for grant funding.
- Publish papers.
- Attend conferences, giving presentations and publicising BAS research.
- Supervise Ph. D. students.
- Band F – (in addition to those for Band E)
- Line manage junior scientists.
- Lead the development of new applications for existing and new customers.
- Lead the negotiation and definition of contracts with external bodies (e. g. ESA, Met Office).
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Background in magnetospheric physics.
- Significant experience in computational modelling.
- Ph. D. or equivalent experience in physics, maths or closely related field.
- Strong mathematical ability.
- Demonstratable programming ability.
- Experience of developing computational models.
- Experience of leading small teams of researchers. (Band F)
- Good network of contacts within the scientific field.
- Significant number of relevant publications.
- Track record of successful grant or fellowship applications. (Band F)
- Proficient in written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Strong background in radiation belt physics.
- Experience working with radiation belt models.
- Ph. D. or equivalent experience in radiation belt physics.
- Good working knowledge of python, FORTRAN and GIT.
- Experience of leading software development.
- Experience supervising Ph. D. students.
- Demonstrate good presentation skills.
- Experience working with organisations outside academia.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.
UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
Radiation Belt Scientist in Cambridge employer: UKRI
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the LMB provides comprehensive training opportunities and encourages continuous learning, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community. Located in the vibrant Cambridge Biomedical Campus, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding career path in Human Resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Radiation Belt Scientist in Cambridge
✨Dive into Geoscience Communities
Join local and online geoscience communities and forums. Places like the Geological Society of London often have events where you can network with professionals in the field. Engaging in discussions or attending workshops can really get you noticed!
✨Show Off Your Fieldwork Skills
If you've got hands-on experience from university projects or internships, make sure to highlight that. Employers in geoscience love practical skills. Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your fieldwork or any research projects you’ve been a part of.
✨Utilise Research Publications
Stay up to date with the latest research in geosciences by diving into journals or attending conferences. Not only will this make you more knowledgeable, but it can also provide talking points in interviews and even lead to job opportunities through academic connections.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website!
When you find a role like Radiation Belt Scientist at UKRI, apply directly on our website! Tailor your application to highlight your specific skills and experiences in geoscience. Remember, being specific can really set you apart!
We think you need these skills to ace Radiation Belt Scientist in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills in Geoscience:When you're drafting your CV, make sure to highlight specific geoscience skills and experiences. Whether it’s fieldwork, data analysis, or modelling software you’ve used, these details can set you apart. We love to see practical experience, so don't shy away from discussing any projects or research that relate directly to the earth sciences!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine:Your cover letter for a full-time geoscience position should scream passion for the field! Let us know why you're excited about working at UKRI and how your skills align with what we're looking for. Mention any relevant coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your journey in geoscience.
Certifications Matter!:In the geoscience sector, having relevant certifications can give your application an extra edge. If you have any geological or environmental certifications, or even training in software like GIS, make sure to list them prominently. It not only highlights your commitment but also shows that you're equipped with the knowledge required for the role.
Detailed Project Portfolio:For a full-time role, it's super helpful to include a project portfolio if you've worked on significant geoscience projects. This could include research papers, fieldwork summaries, or even visual data representations. We love seeing how you've applied your skills in real-world situations, so make it easy for us to see your achievements!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Show Your Technical Prowess
In geoscience, you'll likely face some technical questions related to geology, geophysics, or GIS tools. Brush up on the fundamental concepts and be prepared to talk about any software you’ve used, like ArcGIS or MATLAB, and how you applied them in your previous projects or studies.
✨Bring Your Field Experience to the Table
If you've had any fieldwork or practical experience, make sure to highlight those experiences during your interview. Talk about specific projects where you collected data, conducted analyses, or made observations. This not only shows your hands-on skills but also demonstrates your commitment to the field.
✨Passion for Our Planet
As a full-time candidate, showing genuine enthusiasm for geoscience can set you apart. Think about what excites you most in this field, whether it's climate change, natural resources, or environmental conservation. Be ready to discuss what draws you to UKRI and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Stay Curious and Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your keen interest in ongoing research or specific projects at UKRI. This stays in line with the collaborative nature of geoscience; it shows that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely interested in being part of a team that explores and solves real-world problems.
