Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
Computational modelling is at the core of climate science, where complex models of earth systems are key to the scientific process. Most models embed significant inherent and accidental complexity which hampers verification and maintenance, reproducibility, and performance. Furthermore, modern models are exceptionally data-rich, both in terms of observational inputs and simulation outputs. There is consequently a pressing need for multi-disciplinary research, bringing together computer science, data science and climate science to deliver new high-quality, high-performance, and high-assurance models capable of yielding real transformational insights into our changing climate. Fostering such multi-disciplinary research is the aim of this 3-year Early Career Advanced Fellowship (ECAF) in the Institute of Computing for Climate Science (ICCS) at the University of Cambridge.
The institute is a joint venture between the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, the Department of Computer Science and Technology and University Information Services, thanks to a philanthropic donation from Schmidt Sciences. ICCS is improving the understanding of our changing climate through the development and dissemination of models for scientific computing. ICCS hosts a team of Research Software Engineers who work directly with six international Virtual Earth Systems Research Institutes (VESRI) to address the computational and research software needs of climate scientists. This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to carry out foundational research for an outstanding research scientist with expertise in working across the interfaces between data science, computer science and climate science. As part of the University of Cambridge, ICCS has a significant education and training component, through the commitment towards sharing its scientific insights openly and broadly, and will contribute strongly to Cambridge Zero, the University's climate change initiative, that is identifying routes to the creation of a sustainable, zero-carbon future for all.
The fellow will be based in DAMTP and affiliated with Queens' College. This is a three-year appointment that includes research expenses support, allowing the SRA to apply for other sources of funding as principal investigator.
Duties include defining, developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects and managing research budgets. You are responsible for the investigation and delivery of your own research programmes, and assessing, interpreting and evaluating the outcomes. You are expected to extend and apply knowledge, contribute to publications, present, and communicate complex ideas to those with limited knowledge. You need to be able to identify sources of funding, help secure funds and develop links with external contacts. You may be expected to contribute towards teaching programmes, supervise postgraduate research students, mentor colleagues and carry out appraisals. Teaching experience and experience of research supervision is desirable. Where possible, we strongly encourage this post to leverages the links ICCS has with the VESRI programme, seeking to identify areas of shared interest and collaboration.
Essential requirements for the role(s) of SRA include: - PhD in a subject area relevant to climate science, data science or computer science. - Demonstratable experience of independent research or leading work packages within a research programme. - A strong track record in one or more relevant research areas. - Evidence of high-quality research outputs. - Evidence of potential for collaborations. - Managing research budgets and programmes and obtaining sources of funding.
If you have any questions regarding the role please contact iccs@maths.cam.ac.uk
For more infomration and to apply please vist the University's Job Opportunity website.