We offer generous benefits
£26,876 - £28,220 Per Annum – the band minimum is the normal starting pay for those new to a role. In exceptional circumstances, where relevant skills and experience can be demonstrated, a higher starting salary may be offered.
We will give full consideration to requests for flexible and part-time working, such as reduced hours, compressed hours or job sharing. We also offer hybrid working and recognise the many benefits this brings. The nature of the role will determine if flexible and hybrid working options are possible.
Interview date – 15th July 2025
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for a motivated Research Assistant to join our Ice Dynamics and Palaeoclimate team, supporting the €15M EU-P2F (Past2Future) project, which uses past climate evidence to improve predictions of future change.
The postholder will investigate the impact of meltwater from the Antarctic Ice Sheet on climate systems, using existing UKESM2 model simulations. This includes analysis of freshwater 'hosing' experiments for the pre-industrial, mid-Holocene (6ka), and Last Interglacial (127ka) periods.
This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Master's graduate or early-career researcher to gain experience in Earth system modelling. You will be embedded within the BAS Earth System Modelling Group, receive mentoring in technical analysis, publishing and career development, and contribute to collaborative research publications.
As a valued member of our team, you’ll be eligible for the following benefits:
30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days
Excellent Civil Service pension (with 26% or more employer contribution, depending on your band)
24/7 access to an employee assistance programme (EAP – including support with physical, mental, social, health, and financial issues)
Flexible and family-friendly working opportunities
Cycle to work scheme
Access to discounted shopping on a range of retail, leisure, and lifestyle categories and much more
Some of your main responsibilities will include:
- Analysing existing UKESM2 model outputs to assess the climate impact of Antarctic Ice Sheet meltwater
- Evaluating Southern Ocean and North Atlantic responses in hosing simulations for three time periods
- Applying climate diagnostics to examine temperature, sea ice, ocean circulation, precipitation, and extremes
- Collaborating with senior researchers and contributing to Work Package 3 of the EU-P2F project
- Assisting in producing figures, tables, and text for scientific publications and project deliverables
- Participating in team meetings and EU-P2F coordination activities
- Developing technical and analytical skills in Earth system modelling with mentoring and support
For the role of Research Assistant Palaeoclimate Modeller, we are looking for somebody who has:
- Experience with Earth system or climate models
- Background in climate science
- Excellent numerical skills
- Proven ability to analyse climate model output
- Experience working in Linux/Unix environments for model operation and analysis
- Experience working as part of a larger team
- Ability to manage own time and resources effectively
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proficient in written and spoken English
- Initiative and independence in tackling problems
Desirable attributes include:
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in physics, atmospheric or oceanic science, Earth sciences, or applied mathematics
- Expertise in palaeoclimate
- Experience with the UKESM
- Experience analysing polar climate changes
- Knowledge of Python and Met Office Iris software
- Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications
- Experience collaborating with international research teams
If we’ve just described you, we’d love to hear from you.
