Met Office
Scientist – Data Science for Simulation
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Exeter, South West England, EX1 3PB
Job Summary
We’re looking for two exceptional Scientists – Data Science for Simulation to help us make a difference to our planet.
As our Scientist – Data Science for Simulation, the job may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in the office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and the location advertised will be your contractual place of work.
Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week, but we would also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and we will also try our best to consider those intending to work a job share. Our people are at the heart of what we do and we'll do our best to agree a working pattern that works for everyone.
World changing work
From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are.
- We’re a force for good - focusing on our environmental and social impact
- We’re experts by nature - always learning and developing to do things better
- We live and breathe it - putting our purpose at the heart of decision-making
- We’re better together - understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater
- We keep evolving - pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers
Your world of expertise
You will contribute to research and development in data science and machine learning for weather and climate modelling, taking responsibility for defined scientific and technical tasks under the guidance of experienced colleagues. You will help develop, test and evaluate data-driven approaches that apply advanced computational methods to prediction, simulation and environmental insight. This will include contributing to the strategically important FastNet Machine Learning Weather Prediction (MLWP) model, which is helping to explore how machine learning can support future operational weather prediction capabilities.
Job Description
Working with scientists, engineers and partners across the Met Office and wider research community, you will apply data science and machine learning techniques to real-world weather and climate challenges, producing robust analysis, clear evidence and well-documented outputs. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build scientific, technical and collaborative expertise while making a practical contribution to innovative weather and climate applications.
- Develop and implement machine learning solutions for Earth system applications, with a focus on medium range weather forecasting.
- Create scientific code, carry out data preparation, analysis, and evaluation activities and apply good software and research practices.
- Contribute to reports, presentations, and other outputs to communicate findings.
- Work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and partners across projects
- Learn and develop expertise in relevant scientific, technical, and operational methods.
Person specification
Lead Criteria: A proven ability to deliver high-quality research in a scientific or computational discipline such as mathematics, physics, computer science, data science, atmospheric science or a related subject (We’re experts by nature).
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- Practical experience of programming such as Python, managing environments, and using code to analyse scientific, technical or environmental datasets (We’re experts by nature).
- An understanding of, or demonstrable interest in, applying machine learning, AI, or data science methods to solve scientific problems (We’re experts by nature).
- Ability to work collaboratively with others and communicate technical information clearly to colleagues with different areas of expertise (We’re better together).
- Good organisational skills, with a proven ability to work independently, prioritise work effectively, and deliver useful outputs to agreed timescales with support where needed (We live and breathe it).
- Proven willingness and ability to learn new scientific or technical skills, apply feedback and proactively improve ways of working (We keep evolving).
The panel may perform a preliminary sift of the lead criteria as indicated above
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £35,145, Met Office contributes £10,181 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
Our work is life-changing, often life-saving and always life-enhancing. The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified. We are also featured on their ‘Best Workplaces in Tech’ 2023, 2024 and 2025 lists, as well as their ’54 Best Workplaces for Women’ 2023 list.
As our Scientist – Data Science for Simulation, your total reward package will be up to £49,448 annually, which includes:
- £35,145 base pay
- An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years and option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year of annual leave
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
If you share our values, we’d love to hear from you! Click apply to begin your application. Please complete your career history and provide evidence against each of the essential criteria in the supporting statement questionnaire. We recommend candidates use the CARL method (Context, Action, Result and Learning) for presenting evidence of experience and skills.
Please note: We are currently recruiting for 2 roles which are being advertised at 2 levels (Foundation Scientist and Scientist). Those wishing to be considered at multiple levels should submit an application at each level.
Closing date 24/09/2026 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 12/10/2026. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.
Using AI in your application
We welcome applications that use AI tools for support in drafting or refining, as long as they accurately reflect your own skills and experience. All hiring decisions at the Met Office are made by people, not AI. For more details, visit our approach to recruitment.
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How We Can Help
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact us at careers@metoffice.gov.uk.
If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch. You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. Should you be offered an interview, please be aware there may be a selection exercise which could include a presentation, written test or a scenario-based activity. You can select in your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme. To be invited to interview/assessment under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role.
We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.
We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information. We require Security clearance, for which you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible, 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application. You will need to achieve full security clearance within your first 6 months with us.
If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact us at: careers@metoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: info@csc.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (
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