Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
This NERC funded, full time post is available from 7 October 2024 on a fixed term basis until 31 May 2026 (with possibility of extension to 6 October 2026, subject to approval)
The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the TropMethane project that investigate controls of methane emissions from tropical wetlands and their impacts on the global climate by combining field experiments and modelling. The project is a collaboration between the University of Exeter, the University of Nottingham and the Met Office. The successful applicant will be responsible for delivering the modelling component of the project focusing on improving the representation of processes that control CH4 emissions in a land surface model.
The post will include using data on CH4 emissions and site conditions generated in the project and from the literature to develop and validate a land surface model (JULES) in collaboration with colleagues. The duties will include planning and conducting research into the peatland physical and biological properties of tropical peatlands using models as required by the grant objectives, under the overall supervision of Professor Richard Betts at the University of Exeter and Dr Eleanor Burke at the Met Office.
This includes:
- day-to-day responsibility to conduct and satisfactory progress the research, including interaction with and training of local and UK partners.
- conduct to model development and integration with the field teams
- keep meticulous records, analyse and interpret data, prepare synthetic reports and bring insights to the research as it develops and progresses.
- communicate and interact with external collaborators on the project at the University of Nottingham, British Geological Survey, the Met Office and the Smithsonian Research Institute to ensure effective integration between experimental and modelling components of the programme.
To significantly contribute to the writing up of research papers, reports and presentation of research findings at high level at national and international meetings to disseminate the findings, maintain Institute and University recognition and meet the requirements of the funders.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will have strong expertise in coding and applying environmental models and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
What we can offer you
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
- Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
- An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
- Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
- A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
Further information
For further information please contact Professor Richard Betts (richard.betts@metoffice.gov.uk) or Dr Eleanor Burke (eleanor.burke@metoffice.gov.uk)
Interviews are expected to take place in the first week of October.
This role may be subject to additional background screening.