Senior Research Associate in Firn Modelling
Lancaster Environment Centre
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Reference: 0252-26
The Polar Science group, Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), is recruiting a Senior Research Associate to improve our understanding of the impact of Antarctic extreme weather events (AEWE) on the Antarctic firn layer. This is a 2-year position with a start date in July 2026 or soon after.
Role
You will conduct research as part of a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funded project: "Processes, Impacts, and Changes of Antarctic Extreme Weather (PICANTE)" supervised by Dr Amber Leeson. PICANTE partners include the Universities of Sheffield, Lincoln and Exeter, Imperial College and the British Antarctic Survey.
Specific Activities
* Perform simulations using the Community Firn Model over selected ice shelves for the 1979-2019 period.
* Use these data with an existing inventory of AEWEs to investigate: the direct impact of AEWE on firn properties following an extreme melt event; the cumulative effect of AEWE on long-term firn pore space; and the extent to which AEWEs precondition the firn layer for future saturation.
* Apply statistical emulation to constrain uncertainty and identify priorities for future model development.
* Execute forward simulations under two possible storylines: high (low) sea-ice loss combined with weak (strong) strengthening of the stratospheric polar vortex.
Where Appropriate You Will
* Disseminate project results at national and international meetings and stay informed about current advances in the field.
* Write research papers.
* Assist with a small amount of undergraduate teaching in Environmental Science.
* Mentor junior team members such as PhD students.
Employer Information
The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
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