At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team investigating atmospheric gravity waves and their impact on climate and weather.
- Company: University of Bath, renowned for its commitment to diversity and research excellence.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension schemes, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and independent research.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding our atmosphere while collaborating internationally.
- Qualifications: PhD in atmospheric science or related field; data analysis and software skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 £ per year.
About the role
Join the Leverhulme Trust-funded Seeing the Unseen project and help answer fundamental questions about how atmospheric gravity waves influence the Earth's atmosphere, weather and climate, and may provide early warning of dangerous tropical cyclone intensification. You will work within an international team combining satellite observations, ground-based measurements and state-of-the-art numerical models to overcome the long-standing "observational filter problem". Our goal is to produce the first physically-consistent picture of the global atmospheric gravity wave field and the momentum it transports, and you will play a central role in achieving this.
About you
- Is enthusiastic about understanding how the atmosphere works and tackling challenging scientific problems.
- Has, or is close to completing, a PhD in atmospheric science, physics, meteorology, mathematics or a related discipline.
- Has experience analysing scientific data and writing research software.
- Enjoys working collaboratively and communicating science to a range of audiences.
- Is motivated to publish high-quality research and develop an international research profile.
Investigate how atmospheric gravity waves are generated, propagate through the atmosphere, and influence large-scale atmospheric circulation. Analyse observations from NASA and ESA satellites alongside ground-based measurements and high-resolution atmospheric simulations to address fundamental scientific questions. Apply high-resolution atmospheric simulations to interpret observations, test new measurement techniques, and investigate gravity wave processes. Collaborate with leading UK and international researchers, publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to open-source scientific software and datasets.
The project spans a broad range of techniques, and we are keen to build on the successful candidate's strengths. We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in areas such as satellite retrievals and remote sensing (to improve our understanding of instrument measurements), high-resolution atmospheric modelling (to investigate gravity wave processes and simulate case studies), or atmospheric dynamics and wave theory (to help interpret the resulting observations), but we also welcome applicants from complementary backgrounds who can demonstrate how their expertise would help achieve the project's scientific goals. You will be joining a larger interdisciplinary team with expertise across these areas, so we are interested in how your skills and ideas can complement the existing team while helping to shape the future direction of the research.
Further information
This is a fixed term (2 year) full time (36.5 hours per week) role. For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Corwin Wright. Prospective applicants are also very welcome to contact us informally to discuss the role, and we will be delighted to provide further details.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be entitled to a minimum of 10 days' professional development (pro rata) each year and will have considerable freedom to shape your own scientific programme within the broad goals of the project. We actively support postdoctoral researchers in developing independent research directions and fellowship applications, and recent members of the group have progressed to lectureships, independent research fellowships, and positions in meteorological agencies, industry and academia.
A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance.
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
- A family-friendly workplace.
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
- Relocation allowance.
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app.
Be Well at Bath
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including: Staff support groups and networks, a network of Staff Wellbeing Champions, and a suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.
Closing Date: 11 Aug 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate in Atmospheric Dynamics (SS13824) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values work-life balance. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a fulfilling career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Atmospheric Dynamics (SS13824) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Bath, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Bath. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Atmospheric Dynamics (SS13824) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Bath. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Bath. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Bath. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Bath to drive research projects forward.