Closing date: 23:59 on 19th May 2025.
By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .
The University of Reading’s Meteorology Department is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic individual to develop and embed the use of sub-seasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) climate forecasts in decision-making. Utilising outputs from a new state-of-the-art hybrid machine-learning forecast system, the Associate will develop tools, methods and understanding of how S2S information can be used to provide actionable market intelligence, embedding this know-how into day-to-day business operations and decision-making at British Gas, a leading UK energy supplier. A generous dedicated training budget and support package is provided, and the Associate can expect to emerge as an industry leader in the business applications of S2S forecasting in the energy sector.
Weather is a key source of risk for energy systems. The transformation of the energy sector including the electrification of heating and increasing dependence on renewables means that the need for high-quality forecast information to mitigate the physical and financial impact of weather has never been greater. S2S forecasts offer exciting new opportunities for addressing these risks yet the use of forecasts in applications beyond a few days-ahead remains limited. The goal of this project will be to embed the application of state-of-the-art forecast information directly into day-to-day business decision-making, helping to manage risk for millions of customers. This is a professional post not a “research project” but you can expect to publish and disseminate your work both internally within the business and externally via open access journals, datasets, code and conferences.
You will have:
* Strong commitment and ability to engage in applied research within an industrial setting
* Scientific analytical/research skills relevant to the mathematical and physical sciences
* Scientific computing and programming skills
* Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
* Knowledge of relevant climate science / weather prediction methods
* A PhD is not a requirement for the post but may be a significant advantage
As part of your application, please submit a concise statement outlining why you are interested in applying and why you feel you are well suited to this role based on the experience and skills you would bring to it. Optionally, you may also choose to briefly outline specific areas or topics that you feel you would like to explore as part of the project.
Please be mindful of both the scientific and the industrial engagement aspects of this project. Note also that this is not a research project and we are not expecting you to provide detailed methodologies, literature reviews or research results in this statement.
Please limit your statement to a maximum of 500 words (approximately 1-side of A4 using 11-point font). It is recommended that you consider the structure of your statement, using sub-sections and/or bullet points as appropriate.
Interviews will be held: 12th or 13th June 2025
Contact Name: Prof. David Brayshaw
Contact Job Title: Professor in Climate Science and Energy Meteorology
Contact Email address: d.j.brayshaw@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name: Dr. Fiona Mclachlan
Alternative Contact Job Title: Business Relationship Manager
Alternative Contact Email address: f.mclachlan@reading.ac.uk
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.