Research Associate in Cloud Physics

Job number

NAT02102

Faculties

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Departments

Department of Physics

Salary or Salary range

£49,017 - £57,472 per annum

Location/campus

South Kensington Campus - On site only

Contract type work pattern

Full time - Fixed term

Posting End Date

4 Jan 2026

About the role

High altitude cirrus clouds have a significant warming effect on the climate, but it is possible that interaction particulates (known as aerosols) could reduce the amount of high clouds and cool the climate. Climate models disagree about the size of this cooling due to a poor understanding of the present-day properties of high clouds. We are looking for a research associate to combine models and observations to reduce this uncertainty and better constrain the past and future impact of humans on the climate.

What you would be doing

You will use a wide variety of satellite and ground-based observational data to characterise the current state of cirrus clouds. Working closely with partners at the University of Oslo, you will then use these observations to guide climate model simulations of cirrus cloud thinning and to constrain the potential inadvertent human impact on cirrus clouds.

What we are looking for

We are looking for candidates with expertise using and analysing information about aerosols and clouds in observations and atmospheric models. You will enjoy finding inventive solutions to challenging problems in climate and atmospheric science, drawing on a range of knowledge to help better understand the human impact on the climate.

The role will also involve working with partner UK and international institutions through EU and UK government research programmes into modelling the impact of solar radiation modification.

What we can offer you

• Work on challenging problems in atmospheric and climate science as part of a wider group working on better observing and simulating clouds and their role in the climate.
• Collaborate with a broad range of researchers across Imperial and at partner institutions.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.

• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.

• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

You will join the cloud physics team in Grantham Institute and Department of Physics, working with researchers on a range of problems involving clouds, aerosols and their impact on the climate. More information on our research can be found at

The position is to start as soon as possible, but there can be some flexibility in this if necessary.

This is a full-time post for a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

For further details about the role, please contact: Edward Gryspeerdt

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at We're here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world's toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you'll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you'll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.

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