At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching aviation's non-CO2 climate effects and contribute to groundbreaking projects.
- Company: University of Reading, renowned for its innovative research in meteorology and climate science.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate research while working with leading experts in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD in climate science or related fields; experience with numerical models is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Full Time, Fixed Term Contract for 34 months. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 13th February 2026. We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Atmospheric Composition, Radiation and Climate research group of the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. The post is available from the 1 of April 2026 for a fixed-term period of 34 months. This position is in the context of the non-CO effects of aviation on climate, which are an extremely active topic of research in academia and the aviation industry and are the subject of much attention by European policymakers.
The position is part of the Horizon Europe project Understanding Non-CO Impact for deCarbonized aviation (UNIC), led by the French aerospace laboratory ONERA with partners across Europe, aims at improving understanding of those non-CO effects with novel measurements of non-CO emissions and modelling of atmospheric chemistry and aerosol-cloud interactions. The successful candidate will work within UNIC to improve knowledge of the interactions between particulate matter emitted by aircraft engines and natural cirrus clouds, hours to days after the emission.
You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in climate science, meteorology or related fields. Ideally, you will also have strong expertise in using numerical models to simulate aerosol-cloud interactions. Experience of Large Eddy Modelling will be an advantage but is not a requirement.
You Will Have:
- Experience of numerical models of the atmosphere for research purposes.
- An excellent knowledge of atmospheric physics.
- A strong experience in a scientific computing and data visualisation language.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team towards the project objectives.
The successful candidate will collaborate with project partners to develop innovative research of international standing. Results will be presented at project meetings and international conferences and published in leading journals. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 23 February 2026. The interview will consist in a discussion between you and the panel and will include opportunities to answer questions you may have about the position.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant (Aviation Non-CO2) in Reading employer: University of Reading
Contact Detail:
University of Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Assistant (Aviation Non-CO2) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Atmospheric Composition, Radiation and Climate research group. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the latest research on non-CO effects of aviation. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field. Bring your A-game with questions that demonstrate your interest!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll likely need to present your research at meetings and conferences. We suggest rehearsing your findings and how they relate to the project objectives to impress the panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the University of Reading.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant (Aviation Non-CO2) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in climate science and numerical modelling. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Postdoctoral Research Assistant role.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for aviation's non-CO2 effects shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely excited about contributing to this important research area.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest findings related to non-CO effects of aviation on climate. Brush up on recent studies and be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with the goals of the UNIC project.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with numerical models and scientific computing. Highlight any specific projects where you've used these skills, especially if they relate to aerosol-cloud interactions or Large Eddy Modelling.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions about the research group, the UNIC project, or the collaboration with international partners. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
While showcasing your ability to work independently is important, don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated on research projects, as this role involves working closely with others.