Research Fellow in Physical Oceanography

The Research Fellow will analyse historical hydrographic, XBT, Argo, and animal-borne sensor data to investigate changes in the deep Southern Ocean overturning and their impact on water masses along the East Antarctic margin. A key focus will be developing and applying basin-scale observational diagnostics to quantify decadal changes in volume, heat, and salt transport linked to Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW). This will involve time-evolving inverse methods alongside complementary approaches (e.g. spice/heave decomposition and thermal variance dissipation) to better constrain processes governing deep stratification, with methods refined collaboratively within the project team.

This role is part of the NERC-funded 2WayXChange project, examining how freshening-driven reductions in AABW formation are altering deep ocean circulation and contributing to warming and ice melt on the East Antarctic shelf. The Fellow will join an interdisciplinary, international collaboration spanning the University of Southampton, University of East Anglia, British Antarctic Survey, UK Met Office, and partners in Australia and New Zealand, contributing to research with relevance to the upcoming IPCC assessment.

Applicants should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in physical oceanography or a related field, with experience analysing hydrographic datasets (e.g. CTD, XBT, Argo) and strong Python programming skills. A track record of first-author publications, solid understanding of Southern Ocean dynamics, and strong quantitative and problem-solving abilities are essential. Experience with inverse methods, TEOS-10, or Southern Ocean data is desirable but not required. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively are important.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.