Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow

University of Exeter - Environment, Science and Economy

Location: Exeter

Salary: The starting salary will be from £34,610 per annum on Grade E for a Postdoctoral Research Associate or £43,482 on Grade F for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, depending on qualifications and experience.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 11th December 2025

Closes: 4th February 2026

Job Ref: Q12698

This new full-time post is available from immediately on a fixed term basis for 2 years.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to support the work of Catherine Bradshaw on the multi-institute interdisciplinary project Past to Future. This EU HORIZON funded post is available immediately for 2 years (24 months) and will be based in the Geography department on Streatham campus at the University of Exeter.

The successful applicant will join an international research team to investigate how abrupt climate changes and tipping points affect regional climate extremes and impact society and the environment. The post will include analysing large climate model datasets, developing indicators for extreme events, and mapping high-risk regions under different climate states. Responsibilities include extracting and harmonising simulation data, identifying and characterising compound hazards, establishing causal links between tipping elements and regional impacts, and synthesising findings into risk assessment frameworks. The successful candidate will collaborate with consortium partners, contribute to scientific publications and policy-relevant outputs, and engage with the scientific community throughout the project.

The role will focus on the Holocene and there will be the opportunity to collaborate with archaeologists working on the project.

About you

For PDRA: The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to demonstrate strong quantitative skills in climate data analysis, familiarity with climate models and extreme event indicators, and the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary research teams to investigate regional climate risks.

For PDRF: 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 be a nationally recognised authority in climate extremes 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. Applicants will be able to demonstrate advanced expertise in climate science, leadership in developing novel methodologies for assessing tipping point impacts, a track record of high-impact research, and the ability to drive cross-consortium collaboration and policy engagement at an international level.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Further information

For further information please contact Associate Professor Catherine Bradshaw, e-mail c.bradshaw@exeter.ac.uk.