Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Geography and Natural Sciences

ABOUT THE ROLE

The School of Geography and Natural Sciences at Northumbria University seeks to appoint a full-time Post-Doctoral Research Assistant to work with Professor Benjamin Brock, Dr Joanna Allan and a wider international team on the project: REMAID – Reframing climate change impact Modelling and Adaptation in the Global South through integration of Indigenous knowledge with climate models. The project is funded by UK Research and Innovation and aims to develop transferable methodologies for integrating Indigenous meteorological knowledge from an oral tradition into climate impact modelling.

The post-holder will conduct fieldwork, with appropriate support, in Mauritania and the Saharawi state-in-exile/refugee camps in Algeria, setting up a new regional climate monitoring network and weather hazard early warning system. Further responsibilities will involve evaluating and assisting the development of regional high-resolution climate models, and working with the wider project team in the interpretation of historic climatic information encapsulated in nomadic poetry.

The applicant will have a PhD (or have submitted their PhD by the post start date) in Earth or Atmospheric Sciences, or a related discipline, and preferably have experience of working with meteorological data and climate model outputs. Knowledge of Spanish, French or Arabic would be an advantage. The start date will be 1st June 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The successful candidate will be based in the School of Geography and Natural Sciences. They will work closely with another Post-Doctoral Research Assistant who will focus on the interpretation of Indigenous knowledge and poetry relating to past climate, as well as with our international team. In addition to fieldwork, the successful candidate will attend COP
32 side events in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The appointee will join a thriving research environment, with state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The appointed individual would be fully supported in their academic and career development with the possibility for both internal and external training.

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Professor Benjamin Brock.

Northumbria University is an equal‑opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and particularly from under‑represented groups. We welcome applications from the UK and across the world. Visit our web pages for details about Financial Support for Immigration Costs. Unfortunately, the University is not able to provide relocation fees for international applicants.

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.