British Antarctic Survey
Physical Oceanographer
Fixed-Term Appointment – 27 Months
Location – Cambridge
Salary - £42,688 to £46,957 per annum

Purpose:

We are seeking a physical oceanographer with experience in the manipulation and analysis of large ocean model datasets and the publication of subsequent results. This post will focus on delivering two main tasks within the Horizon Europe SYNCHRONY project: 1) Using an offline particle trajectory package applied to a very high-resolution ocean model, simulate Antarctic continental shelf drift trajectories of virtual profiling floats and establish likely trajectories between satellite surface location fixes. 2) Analyse Southern Ocean water mass properties and circulation under future climate change scenarios from the CMIP7 suite of coupled climate models.

Duties:

Undertake analysis of high-resolution ocean models and implement particle tracking routines over the continental shelves – simulating float trajectories
Undertake analysis of CMIP7 model output, focusing on Southern Ocean water mass dynamics and change
Manage the datasets and code base of the above analysis
Write, publish and communicate scientific findings resulting from this analysis and associated research. This includes delivering specific Horizon Europe milestones and deliverables
Participate in meetings of the Horizon Europe SYNCHRONY project and communicate findings to, and proactively collaborate with, partners
Work collaboratively with other members of the Polar Oceans team, including, but not limited to:
- (i) Presenting research at national/international conferences and meetings
- (ii) Liaising with external visitors including seminar speakers, and
- (iii) Assisting with communication activities to promote the work of the Polar Oceans team both internally within BAS and externally to other academics, policy makers and/or the general public

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

Excellent understanding of ocean and global climate dynamics
Demonstrated competence of ocean model data analysis and experience of interpreting numerical simulations, particularly focussing on geophysical fluid dynamics
PhD in ocean/climate dynamics or equivalent postgraduate experience
Strong numerical ability consistent with manipulating, analysing and interpreting sparse observational data from multiple sources
Experience in manipulating and analysing observational datasets
Ability to manage project workflow and balance time/resources between projects
Proficient in written and spoken English language
Proven ability to present research effectively in written and oral form with examples of publication in leading journals
Track record of independent research and associated decision making
Able to work as part of a team within the SYNCHRONY project and across the EU partner institutions
Flexible and adaptable

Desirable:

Demonstrated understanding of Southern Ocean and continental shelf seas dynamics
Experience with numerical particle tracking simulations
Experience with CMIP class model analysis
Ability to manage and interpret large datasets, notably hierarchies of models at various resolutions or large ensembles
Experience with modelling and model analysis
Experience with Southern Ocean based datasets
Experience with deployment of ocean instrumentation
Able to communicate detailed technical information clearly and concisely to a range of stakeholders
Understanding of how BAS science fits into a wider perspective

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org

We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.

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Physical Oceanographer