Dense Water Ice Ocean Modeller
Posted 7 hours 17 minutes ago by British Antarctic Survey
British Antarctic Survey
BAS 26/29
Contract type FTA (30 months)
Location - Cambridge
Salary - Band D S2 £42,688
Closing date - 17/03/2026
Interview date - 21-23 April
We are seeking a Dense Water Ice Ocean Modeller to determine the impact of weakened Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) formation on warming of the Antarctic continental shelf and subsequent ice shelf melting. AABW is the densest water mass in the world's oceans, and drives the lower limb of the global overturning circulation. Observations show that the volume of AABW has been shrinking, due to freshening around Antarctica, and models project this trend will continue in response to climate change. There is concern that as AABW gradually disappears around Antarctica, it will be replaced by warmer Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW). This CDW would increase ice shelf basal melting, causing further freshening and potentially driving a positive feedback loop.
In this post, you will test this hypothesis using a circum Antarctic configuration of the NEMO ocean model. The first step will be to upgrade the established configuration to improve its representation of AABW overflows. Then, you will run historical and future simulations to examine the impact of climate change on the Southern Ocean, and to isolate the drivers of continental shelf warming. There is plenty of flexibility to shape the research questions to suit your interests, within the scope of the project.
Through this post you will contribute to the 2WayXChange project (Uncovering the Hidden Two Way Connection between East Antarctica's Shelf Seas and Deep Ocean), in collaboration with ocean modellers at the University of Southampton and the UK Met Office, and a wider project team in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. At BAS you will join our Polar Oceans team, an internationally renowned group of oceanographers studying high latitude oceans and their interactions with the cryosphere.
This post is advertised in parallel with three similar roles: Greenland Ice Ocean Modeller, High resolution Ice Ocean Modeller and Subsurface Warming Ice Ocean Modeller. Applicants are encouraged to apply to all four roles, which will be combined into a single interview. Please submit identical applications for each role you are interested in; we unfortunately cannot consider you for any roles where you do not apply. Please ensure your cover letter and CV show how you meet the criteria below, and include a list of your publications.
In collaboration with the UK Met Office, incorporate cutting edge model developments (e.g. multi envelope vertical coordinates, increased resolution, and/or tides) into an existing circum Antarctic configuration of NEMO
Design, run, and analyse historical and future simulations to quantify changes in AABW and its impacts on the continental shelf seas
Design model experiments to isolate the drivers of continental shelf warming, e.g. through atmospheric changes or glacial freshwater inputs
Present model developments and scientific results in the peer reviewed literature and at conferences
Skills, Qualifications and Experience- Qualifications
First degree in physical science or mathematics, plus PhD or equivalent experience - Practical Skills
Experience configuring and running ocean models
Experience analysing ocean model output - Technical Skills
Experience in the numerical solution of partial differential equations
Experience with Linux
Experience with compiled parallel code (e.g. Fortran)
Experience with interpreted analysis code (e.g. Python) - Communication Skills
Proficient in written and spoken English
Strong track record of publication in high quality journals (assessed relative to career stage and opportunity)
Excellent scientific writing skills and proven ability to independently write first author papers
Track record of presentation at international conferences - Personal Skills
Proven ability to independently develop research questions (assessed relative to career stage)
Ability to prioritise tasks to efficiently deliver science
Ability to adapt research questions as circumstances evolve
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Enthusiasm and drive for independent scientific research
Knowledge of ice ocean interactions
Experience with models used in the project
Experience applying statistical methods
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the "experience" section of the application.
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About the TeamBritish Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica, and the Arctic work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how, BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure, help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation . We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.