The Role

Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter

The Global Systems Institute wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work across two ESA-funded research projects on Earth observation for monitoring Earth system tipping points: 80% of the post will be dedicated to the PREDICT project, and 20% EO4TIPP.

On PREDICT, the successful applicant will conduct research on early warning signals for terrestrial tipping points including Amazon rainforest dieback and dryland vegetation collapse working with Earth observation data and CMIP6 climate model output to develop and test statistical and machine-learning approaches for detecting precursors of abrupt change in these systems. They will also support project management and reporting, working closely with the Principal Investigator.

On EO4TIPP, the successful applicant will contribute to evaluating the Earth observation architecture for monitoring Earth system tipping points. The successful applicant will focus on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), including scientific process understanding of AMOC tipping dynamics, identifying key geophysical variables and their observability via spaceborne remote sensing, and supporting community consultation activities (expert surveys, workshops) on AMOC monitoring needs.

The post will include:

Conducting original research on early warning signals for terrestrial tipping points using Earth observation datasets and CMIP6 climate model output.
Analysing large environmental/climate datasets to detect statistical precursors and gain process understanding of critical transitions in these systems.
Contributing to project management, including timeline tracking, milestone reporting, and coordination with project partners and funders.
Preparing progress reports and deliverables for both projects.
Reviewing and synthesising scientific literature on AMOC tipping dynamics for project deliverables.
Supporting community consultation activities (surveys, workshops, stakeholder engagement) related to AMOC monitoring.
Co-authoring peer-reviewed publications and presenting findings at conferences and project meetings.
Collaborating with the wider project teams across both funded projects.

About You

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 in climate science, Earth system science, environmental physics, or a related field. The successful applicant will have demonstrable experience working with Earth observation data and climate model output, ideally including CMIP6, and experience with or a strong interest in early warning signal detection methods for complex systems (e.g. critical slowing down, statistical precursor analysis). Familiarity with terrestrial tipping systems (Amazon rainforest, dryland vegetation, glaciers/permafrost) and/or AMOC/wider climate tipping point literature is desirable. Experience with project management and reporting on funded research projects is also desirable. The successful applicant will be able to work collaboratively across an international, multi-partner research environment, and to organise and prioritise their own work across two concurrent projects.

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

The closing date for applications is 14 October.

Further information

Please contact Dr Jesse Abrams, j.abrams@exeter.ac.uk.

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What we can offer you:

Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.