Post-doctoral Research Scientist: Determination of Tropical Oxidising Capacity (DeTOX)

University of Reading - School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences (SMPCS) - Department of Meteorology

Full time, fixed term contract (ending on 30th November 2027)

Closing date: 23:59 on 2 March 2026

Interview date: 17 March 2026

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The oxidising capacity of the tropical atmosphere is highly influential for the greenhouse gas methane and other pollutants, with knock-on implications for wider atmospheric composition, climate change and air quality. However, the oxidising capacity and the processes which influence it remain uncertain. In this role, the researcher will assess how our simulation of atmospheric chemistry and the spatial resolution of our chemistry-climate models influence tropical oxidising capacity.

You will work as part of a team within the NERC DeTOX (Determination of Tropical Oxidising Capacity through model calibration) project.

The main role is to set up and run simulations using the UK Earth system model (UKESM1.1), which includes representations of tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry, and to analyse the outputs from these. This will involve running simulations with more detailed atmospheric chemistry with the CRI-Strat2 mechanism and simulations at higher spatial resolution (e.g. N216).
This will be original research carried forward to publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, and presented at national and international scientific meetings.

The job holder will interact with project partners, attend project meetings, and contribute to the departmental research environment (e.g., seminars and group meetings).

You will have:

• A PhD in atmospheric science or related field (or be close to finishing your PhD)
• Research experience involving analysing data from UKESM or other models
• A publication track record appropriate to your career stage
• Research experience in atmospheric chemistry, aerosols or air quality

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: James Weber
Contact Job Title: Lecturer in Atmospheric Composition, Radiation and Climate
Contact Email address: j.m.weber@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Bill Collins
Alternative Contact Job Title: Professor in Climate Processes
Alternative Contact Email address: w.collins@reading.ac.uk