"Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Oceanography and Palaeoclimatology"

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Oceanography and Palaeoclimatology

Department of Earth Sciences, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3AN

The post holder will join the Physical Oceanography and Palaeoclimate groups in the Department of Earth Sciences and perform numerical model data analysis relevant to two projects: MEZCAL and PalaeoGradPhan. Both projects focus on the relationship between ocean circulation and surface ocean properties, and use numerical models to understand what we can and cannot infer from imperfect observational data. The PDRA will explore the relationship between ocean circulation, sea surface temperature (SST) and atmospheric forcing in ocean state estimates and numerical simulations of current and past climate.

The post holder will combine adjoint-derived information about the sensitivity of the Atlantic overturning circulation to surface fluxes (as a function of position and lead time) with surface fluxes from a range of ocean state estimates and coupled climate models to reconstruct recent AMOC variability. They will also explore the role of ocean circulation (including the overturning circulation) in setting and responding to equator-pole temperature gradients over much longer timescales, using a series of 109 climate model simulations, 5 million years apart, over the entire Phanerozoic.

Responsibilities include calculating relevant ocean and climate diagnostics; applying a range of statistical tools; developing, testing and refining hypotheses; and collaborating in the preparation of research publications. The postholder will be expected to manage their own academic research and administrative activities and to collaborate with MEZCAL, PalaeoGradPhan and other colleagues.

About you

The successful candidate will hold or be close to completion of a PhD/DPhil in ocean or atmospheric dynamics (thesis must be submitted before an offer is made). The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in analysing numerical ocean or climate model data. They will have an understanding of ocean and climate dynamics and a demonstrated ability to design and conduct numerical analysis of large data sets to test hypotheses.

The postholder should have excellent communication skills (both written and oral), along with the ability to meet deadlines and produce publishable research.

This is a fixed term post until 31 March 2027 with the possibility of an extension. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. Interviews will be provisionally held on 5 May 2026.

You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.