University of Exeter
4 days ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Machine Learning Ocean Forecasting and Uncertainty Quantification University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a UKDI-funded, full-time, fixed-term post from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. The starting salary is £35,302 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and £44,352 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills, and experience. Staff benefits are also provided.
Deadline
Dec 10, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
The University of Exeter is recruiting a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow in machine learning ocean forecasting, uncertainty quantification, and autonomous ocean measurement. The fixed-term appointment is based at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with hybrid working, and runs from 1 January to 31 December 2027.
Based in the Faculty of Environment, Science, and Economy and the Department of Engineering, the successful researcher will help develop a novel observation-based machine-learning ocean forecasting system in collaboration with the UK Met Office and Oshen, a developer of autonomous ships for ocean measurements. The project focuses on uncertainty quantification and propagation, adaptive spatial sampling, computational modelling, and experimental verification and validation.
Responsibilities include designing and implementing uncertainty propagation techniques in Python within a 3D machine-learning forecasting pipeline; developing adaptive spatial sampling algorithms; creating simulation code; interpreting model outputs; analysing synthetic ocean data, MEOP-CTD datasets, and autonomous vessel measurements; and publishing and presenting research findings.
Applicants for the Research Associate level should have a relevant PhD, be nearing completion of one, or possess equivalent qualifications or experience in oceanography, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Fellow-level applicants should additionally demonstrate advanced expertise in uncertainty quantification and propagation, validation of complex computational models against real-world observations, and delivery of open-source or reproducible scientific software.
The post is UKDI funded. Starting salaries are £35,302 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and £44,352 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level. Applications close at 23:59 on 10 December 2026.
Funding details
This is a UKDI-funded, full-time, fixed-term post from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. The starting salary is £35,302 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and £44,352 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills, and experience. Staff benefits are also provided.
What's required
For the Postdoctoral Research Associate level, applicants should hold or be nearing completion of a relevant PhD, or have equivalent qualifications or experience, in oceanography, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of the discipline and research methods, ability to communicate research progress and outcomes, and ability to prepare proposals or applications to external bodies. For the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, applicants should hold a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification or experience, have specialist expertise in uncertainty quantification and propagation, experience validating complex computational models against real-world observational data, and a record of delivering open-source codebases or reproducible scientific software. Fellow-level applicants should also be able to develop research objectives and proposals, work collaboratively, supervise others, and act as a team leader.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Exeter Careers vacancy page using the Apply button before 23:59 on 10 December 2026. Read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details; contact Dr Ajit Pillai for role enquiries or the HR Helpdesk for application support.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.