At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project to tackle uncertainty in weather and climate predictions.
- Company: Dynamic research team focused on innovative Earth-system prediction methods.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for teaching, and collaboration with leading experts.
- Other info: Full-time, fixed-term position with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate science using advanced machine learning techniques.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in relevant fields and strong computational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47779 - 47779 £ per year.
Weather and climate prediction are undergoing a profound transformation. Alongside traditional physics-based forecast systems, machine-learned (ML) weather prediction models, hybrid ML-physics models, and climate emulators are rapidly becoming an integral part of the prediction landscape. While these approaches can achieve remarkable predictive skill, fundamental questions remain regarding the quantification and representation of uncertainty within and between these models. Addressing these questions is essential if their predictions are to be used for scientific understanding and societal decision-making.
The successful candidate will join Principal Investigator Christensen in addressing the long-standing challenge of delivering reliable probabilistic weather and climate predictions. The project will develop innovative approaches to understand, quantify, and ultimately reduce model uncertainty in next-generation Earth-system prediction systems.
The research adopts a seamless perspective in two key ways:
- It will use insights gained from short-range weather forecasting to improve our understanding of longer-term climate behaviour, and vice versa.
- It will exploit advances in machine learning (ML) weather and climate models to improve physics-based models, while using physical understanding to enhance ML approaches.
By integrating ideas from numerical weather prediction, climate modelling, and modern machine learning, the project aims to develop physically grounded methods for uncertainty quantification that are applicable across the full spectrum of Earth-system prediction. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching.
Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in physics, climate science, computer science, or a closely related discipline. They should have strong computational skills, including experience with UNIX/Linux and programming in Fortran, Python, or other high-level languages. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to conduct original research of international standing.
The appointment is full-time and fixed-term for 24 months. The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon (GMT) on Friday, 25 September 2026. Interviews will take place in October 2026. £39,424 to £47,779 per annum.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in uncertainty quantification for Earth-system prediction in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant research environment that fosters creativity and innovation in neuroscience. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow professionally through various development opportunities. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the university provides a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural richness, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Assistant in uncertainty quantification for Earth-system prediction in Oxford
✨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 Oxford, 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
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant in uncertainty quantification for Earth-system prediction in Oxford
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 Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford
✨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 Oxford. 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 Oxford to drive research projects forward.
