Research Fellow – Climate Dynamics, Leeds

About Position/Job

The University of Leeds invites applications for a Research Fellow in Climate Dynamics to join the Climate Dynamics Group in the School of Earth and Environment, led by Professor Amanda Maycock. This 15-month, full-time, fixed-term role is part of the NERC-funded TWISTA project (The Wide-ranging Impacts of STratospheric smoke Aerosols), investigating how wildfire smoke aerosols influence global climate patterns. The successful candidate will conduct advanced climate modelling with UKESM1, improve representations of stratospheric smoke, and analyse its impacts on stratospheric dynamics, tropospheric systems, and surface climate. This is a collaborative opportunity, working with leading UK institutions and the Met Office Hadley Centre, contributing to high-impact publications. The position offers flexible/hybrid working, an excellent benefits package, and the chance to advance research on one of the most pressing atmospheric science challenges of our time.

Position/Job Details

Position: Research Fellow in Climate Dynamics
Institution: University of Leeds
Department: School of Earth and Environment – Institute of Atmospheric Science (ICAS)
Research field: Climate Dynamics, Atmospheric Science, Climate Modelling
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Number of posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (15 months)
Start Date (Anticipated): As soon as possible after 22 August 2025
Working Hours: 100% FTE (flexible/hybrid working available)
Salary Range: £39,105 – £46,485 per annum (Grade 7, dependent on experience)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Climate Dynamics
Stratospheric and Tropospheric Interactions
Atmospheric Science
Climate Modelling (UKESM1)
Wildfire Smoke Aerosols

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD (awarded or near completion) in Atmospheric or Climate Science, or a related discipline
Experience running global climate models on high-performance computing platforms
Strong track record in analysing climate model outputs
Evidence of commitment to publishing in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with aerosol-climate interactions
Knowledge of stratospheric dynamics and variability
Collaboration experience with multi-institutional research teams
Ability to work independently and meet research deadlines

Key Responsibilities

Conduct simulations with UKESM1 including improved representation of stratospheric smoke aerosols from wildfires
Analyse model outputs to assess impacts on climate systems
Collaborate with project partners at Exeter, Cambridge, Lancaster, and the Met Office Hadley Centre
Publish peer-reviewed scientific papers based on project results
Present findings at national and international conferences