Research Fellow in stratospheric climate modelling of solar radiation modification

Are you a researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in climate research or numerical modelling? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

The project will develop state of the art climate tools to accurately predict the dispersal and climate impact of proposed hypothetical stratospheric aerosol injection strategies. You will be working as part of an international interdisciplinary team to reduce some of the fundamental climate modelling uncertainties around solar radiation modification (SRM). This is a 24-month fixed term contract. 

This role will entail simulating the distribution of radiatively active aerosol tracers injected into the stratosphere within the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). Working with Prof Dan Marsh, you will setup, run and analyse a variety of simulations to simulate the radiative and climate effects of aerosol injection. You will be part of a project team to design, implement and analyse data from a series of sensitivity experiments. With Prof. Piers Forster, you will estimate the effective radiative forcing from injecting stratospheric aerosols. Liaising with a wider international team, you will contribute to project report writing and dissemination of scientific results at conferences and in peer-reviewed literature.

It is clear that SRM is a controversial subject, and our desire is to be as transparent as possible, as no such confidentiality agreements will need to be signed, and all the work conducted under this project will be communicated openly, entering the public domain through peer reviewed publications.

You will have a PhD (or have submitted your thesis before taking up the role) in the field of Physics or Atmospheric, Ocean or Climate Science, or Computing and have extensive experience of using and analysing data from climate models. Prior experience with the WACCM or similar model will be a strong advantage. Experience communicating your science to policy makers is desirable.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Dan Marsh, Priestley Chair in Comparative Planetary Atmospheres

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3885

Email: [email protected]

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance. Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

Closing Date: 19 Jan 2026

Section: Research

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 p.a.