Lancaster University
Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Statistics and volcanic ash dispersion modelling - 0611-26
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Statistics and volcanic ash dispersion modelling
Lancaster Environment Centre
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £33,002 to £37,694 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Monday 17 August 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 02 September 2026
Reference: 0611-26
An exciting opportunity exists for a post-doctoral researcher to undertake research into probabilistic volcanic ash dispersion modelling. The successful candidate will develop novel methodologies for representing and propagating uncertainty in temporally varying eruption source parameters, with a particular focus on time-varying mass eruption rate (MER) and plume height. By building on recent developments and requirements for uncertainty quantification in volcanic ash forecasting, you will develop computationally efficient techniques that maintain the speed required for operational forecasting by the Met Office/ London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, whilst improving eruption source representations.
You will be working and based at Lancaster University and will regularly engage with the Atmospheric Dispersion and Air Quality (ADAQ) group at the Met Office, home to the London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. The work is highly collaborative with team members working across ADAQ and Lancaster University working towards developing operational capability. Candidates without a background in volcanology are strongly encouraged to apply; we are looking for a candidate with a background in statistics, applied mathematics, and/or computational science. This position is funded by EPSRC, the Met Office, and Lancaster University.
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Lancaster University
Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, ranked in the top 1% of universities globally, and in the top 10 in the UK. It is located on a beautiful campus in the North-West of England close to the Lake District National Park. The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department, tackling grand environmental challenges.
LEC offers a highly collegial and stimulating environment for career development based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions. We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Furthermore, we are active and progressive around sustainability, wellbeing, and decolonising agendas.
This post is available for immediate start, and the initial contract duration will be 2 years, however, extensions are possible subject to funding.
What To Include In Each Document Of Your Application
- Cover Letter: Please discuss why you are interested specifically in this position, and how it fits with your career goals. Please also describe any skills you have developed that are relevant to this post and your start date availability.
- CV: Please include a 2-page CV.
- Supporting Statements: Please provide a statement for each Personal Specification point that is listed as being scored via “Supporting Statements”. This should include examples that provide evidence of your experience and expertise. Aim for one paragraph per criteria (~50-200 words).
- Referees: Contact information for referees.
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Informal inquiries are welcome and may be directed to Dr. Thomas Jones: thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk
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Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.
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 their 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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