{"id":1023,"date":"2025-03-25T09:50:53","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T09:50:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/earth-system-prediction\/?page_id=1023"},"modified":"2025-07-21T14:27:26","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T13:27:26","slug":"fellowship-opportunities-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/earth-system-prediction\/fellowship-opportunities-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Fellowship Opportunities 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The AFESP Fellowship call for initial expressions of interest has now closed. Applicants will be notified of shortlisting decisions by mid-July.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction and key facts on the opportunity<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Advancing the Frontiers of Earth System Prediction (AFESP)\u202fare inviting applications from early to mid-career researchers wishing to carry out independent research, with opportunities to apply for Junior or Senior Fellowships, appropriate to career stage, and applications invited from UK and international candidates.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These fellowships will enable outstanding academics to establish themselves as future leaders in the three AFESP research Themes. It is envisioned that up to three fellows will be funded with an expected duration of 3-5 years and full-time salary of up to \u00a357,696 p.a,\u00a0 starting in early 2026.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The submission deadline for initial expressions of interest is Friday 20 June 2025. Applicants should refer to the section \u20183: How to apply\u2019 and also ensure they have read the detailed application guidance document before applying.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Advancing the Frontiers of Earth System Prediction (AFESP) in essence<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe Research Programme on Advancing the Frontiers of Earth System Prediction is a \u00a330 million 15-year investment by the University of Reading in partnership with the European Centre for Medium-Range Forecasts (ECMWF), the UK Met Office and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science. It delivers sustained investments to tackle some of the far-term (10\u201315 year) and difficult (high-risk, high-reward) research challenges in Earth System Prediction.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Theme 1<\/strong>: Predicting the Earth System up to the sub-seasonal range.
\n\u2022 Theme 2<\/strong>: Challenges and opportunities in simulating the Earth System at the kilometre-scale.
\n\u2022 Theme 3<\/strong>: Data assimilation for the Earth system across a range of scales.
\n\u2022 Cross-cutting theme<\/strong>: Maximising the societal benefits of extended-range numerical weather predictions.<\/p>\n

These themes have been chosen, via an open consultation process, as areas that require fundamental long-term cutting-edge research (in both physical and computational science), well suited to the skills and interests of the University, while also being of great relevance to operational centres, but also informed by international developments, e.g. the World Weather Research Programme, World Climate Research Programme, and EU research programmes. For more details, please see the AFESP Science Plan.<\/a><\/p>\n

AFESP in 2023-2025<\/strong><\/span>
\nInitial investments in Advancing the Frontiers of Earth System Prediction (AFESP) programme have focused on investigator-led projects in collaboration with our partners, supporting postdoctoral researchers and fostering mechanisms for long-term partnerships. Notably, the University of Reading is currently funding six five-year research grants. These initial AFESP research projects<\/a>, alongside a growing cohort of PhD students, are laying the foundation for a dynamic and thriving AFESP research ecosystem.<\/p>\n

The new AFESP Fellowship Programme (Spring 2025)<\/span><\/strong>
\nTo further advance its mission AFESP is launching the AFESP Fellowship Programme, aiming to push the boundaries of Earth System Prediction and to cultivate a new generation of researchers at the forefront of innovation.<\/p>\n

Aligned with the AFESP Science Programme and exploiting multiple collaboration opportunities in the partnership, we anticipate that AFESP fellows should play a transformative role in at least one of these research projects:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Model development, improving predictive accuracy.
\n\u2022 Enhancing ensemble forecasting, improving reliability.
\n\u2022 Improving the assimilation of high-density data, including observations from new satellite missions and other data types.
\n\u2022 Developing novel data assimilation methodologies to deal with a range of time and space-scales in the coupled Earth System.
\n\u2022 Advancing analysis methods for process discovery and for tailoring forecast products to specific user requirements.
\n\u2022 Democratising environmental impact assessments, making data and tools more accessible and widely applicable.<\/p>\n

Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming Earth system science. Key developments include: the design of full assimilation and forecast systems, the link between machine learning and physical modelling in hybrid approaches, the ability to create an improved understanding of uncertainty representation and predictability, enhanced model downscaling, and the emulation of expensive model components. Given these advances, we strongly encourage applications that focus on developing, improving, and implementing machine learning within the research project.<\/p>\n

Through this programme, AFESP is committed to shaping the next generation of researchers, driving innovation, and deepening our understanding of the Earth System, so that the AFESP Fellowships aim to:<\/p>\n

1. Empower early-career researchers to establish their independence and grow into future leaders in Earth System Prediction.
\n2. Strengthen collaborations with AFESP\u2019s key partners.
\n3. Expand the University of Reading\u2019s expertise in environmental prediction.<\/p>\n

Key facts on the AFESP Fellowships opportunity<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe AFESP Independent Researcher fellowships will have an expected duration of 3\u20135 years1<\/sup> . It is envisioned that up to three fellows in total will be funded in the period 2026-2031 at junior and senior levels.<\/p>\n

To apply you must meet the following criteria and we request you clearly indicate in your covering letter if you intend to apply as a Junior or Senior Fellow:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em><\/p>\n

Note that, if applicants have taken career breaks (e.g., parental leave, caring responsibilities etc.), their circumstances will be taken into consideration, if the relevant dates and details are provided with the application.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 We invite applications from both domestic and international candidates and funding will be available to cover the fellows\u2019 visa expenses and NHS surcharges, if applicable.
\n\u2022 We welcome applications from any area of AFESP\u2019s remit (see the AFESP science plan<\/a>).<\/p>\n

1 <\/sup>Part-time fellowships will be pro rata.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opportunities within the AFESP partnership and via external collaborations<\/strong>
\nThe AFESP programme is built upon a strong four-institution partnership, as well as on existing, long-term collaborations between individuals and teams at each participating institution. These offer multiple opportunities to individuals who wish to join AFESP.<\/p>\n

Candidates are encouraged to submit proposals that also include co-Investigators from other institutions where there is significant in-kind aligned resource (0.1 Full-time equivalent, FTE or above). Additionally, it is desirable, albeit not necessary, that AFESP partners contribute significant, in-kind aligned FTE (e.g. at least 0.1 FTE senior scientist or 0.2 FTE PDRA time). The AFESP programme offers a Liaisons Group to assist in the latter aspect of proposal preparation and contact with AFESP partners is managed exclusively via the Liaisons Group (see the FULL proposal stage instructions below).<\/p>\n

If you are unsure of your eligibility status, you should email AFESP-Research@reading.ac.uk<\/a> to confirm before applying.<\/p>\n

Additional Opportunities<\/span><\/strong>
\nThe fellowship brings the opportunity of aligned PhD studentships, which will be considered in terms of the overall fit with the AFESP science plan, subject to progress and by negotiation once the fellowship has begun.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”1. Eligibility” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:18|text_align:left” custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true”]Who is eligible to apply<\/strong><\/span>
\nThis funding opportunity is open to early to mid-career researchers wishing to carry out independent research.<\/p>\n

\u2022 You must be able to evidence scientific and technical skills and competencies, relevant to the overall delivery of the AFESP science strategy, and, more generally, in line with the career-building ambitions of equivalent programmes, e.g. NERC\u2019s Independent Research Fellowship (IRF) scheme,<\/a> the details of which are available online.
\n\u2022 If you are currently studying for a PhD, you are only eligible if you are expecting to submit your thesis before the fellowship interviews in November 2025.
\n\u2022 Holders of postdoctoral training fellowships such as the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions can apply. Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows, Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships and Daphne Jackson Trust Fellows who meet all eligibility requirements may also apply.
\n\u2022 If you have been included on grant applications as a project lead or co-lead, then you are still eligible to apply, provided you meet all eligibility criteria. Your application must be different from applications you have been included on.
\n\u2022 You may be employed at a lecturer (assistant professor) level that is clearly a \u2018teaching only\u2019 post.<\/p>\n

Senior Fellow or Junior Fellow – Which level to apply at<\/strong>
\nWe request you clearly indicate in your application supporting statement<\/span><\/span> if you intend to apply as a Junior or Senior Fellow and justify your reasons for this.<\/p>\n

An application at the Junior fellowship level<\/span> is not encouraged (meaning, please apply at senior level instead) if you hold, or have ever held:<\/p>\n

\u2022 An equivalent competitive fellowship that allows you to establish an independent research group, and therefore independent researcher status.
\n\u2022 A tenured academic post (unless a teaching intensive post).
\n\u2022 A position at lecturer level (assistant professor, or the equivalent in an institution other than a university) that includes setting up a research group and conducting your own research.
\n\u2022 If you hold a fellowship where you are eligible to supervise PhD students or submit research grants as a project lead, then we consider that equivalent to a lectureship. As a result, you are not eligible to apply at the junior level. Examples of these fellowships include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n

– Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowships
\n– Medical Research Council Career Development Awards
\n– BBSRC Discovery fellowships
\n– UKRI Future Leaders fellowships
\n– ERC starting grant<\/p>\n

Senior Fellows<\/span> are expected to already demonstrate an existing reputation in their field of research and a record of attracting research funding.<\/p>\n

Junior fellows will be appointed within grade 6 upper salary range or grade 7 lower salary range, and Senior fellows will be appointed within grade 7 upper salary range or grade 8 lower salary range (commensurate with career stage and experience).<\/p>\n

Equality, diversity and inclusion<\/strong>
\nWe are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.
\nWe support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:<\/p>\n