Fellowship Overview
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a fully funded Postdoctoral Research Associate in Paleoclimate Statistics and Dynamics (Fixed Term) within the Department of Geography, United Kingdom. This 36-month research position forms part of the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant FORAGER and will be conducted under the guidance of Dr Matt Osman.
The successful candidate will develop a new generation of paleoclimate reanalyses spanning the Last Ice Age to the present. Specifically, the role focuses on integrating globally distributed proxy records, including ice core geochemistry, marine and terrestrial biomarkers, and speleothems, with ensembles of climate model simulations. Using probabilistic and Bayesian statistical methods, the project aims to generate spatially complete and dynamically consistent climate fields at decadal to centennial resolution.
In addition, the position emphasises uncertainty quantification, proxy system modelling, and statistical spatiotemporal downscaling. Therefore, this research opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in climate modelling, data assimilation, and Earth system dynamics. The post-holder will collaborate with an international interdisciplinary consortium while also developing an independent research agenda aligned with the C3PO research group.
Program / Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term, 36 Months)
- Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department: Department of Geography
- Research Field: Paleoclimate Science
- Supervisor: Dr Matt Osman
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Type: Full-time Postdoctoral Research Position
- Start Date: April 2026 or soon after
- Working Hours: Full-time (36.5 hours per week)
- Salary / Funding: £33,002–£46,049 (Grade 5–7 depending on PhD status)
This fully funded postdoctoral research position in Paleoclimate Science at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, is open for one candidate starting April 2026.
Research Area
- Paleoclimate reconstruction and climate reanalysis
- Bayesian statistics and probabilistic modelling
- Climate model–proxy data assimilation
- Last Ice Age to present climate variability
This research directly informs long-term climate variability, extreme events analysis and policy-relevant climate modelling across Europe and globally.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- PhD in climate science, Earth system science, applied mathematics, physics or statistics (or near completion)
- Strong quantitative and scientific programming skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Bayesian statistics or data assimilation
- Knowledge of paleoclimate proxy datasets
- Background in climate modelling or spatiotemporal statistical analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research in paleoclimate modelling
- Develop probabilistic climate reconstructions
- Collaborate with international interdisciplinary teams
- Publish findings in leading climate science journals
- Present results at global conferences and research workshops
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, recruitment system.
Required Documents
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Publication list (if applicable)
- References
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 5 February 2026
- Application Deadline: 26 March 2026
- Interview Dates: Week commencing 13 April 2026
- Expected Start: April 2026
Useful Links / Internal Linking
- Institution Website: University of Cambridge
- Official Notification: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Paleoclimate Statistics
- Apply: The University of Cambridge: Web Recruitment
Explore more postdoctoral positions in the United Kingdom.
