Full time, Fixed Term contract for 30 months
Closing date 23:59 3rd September 2025
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate on quantifying the impact of novel airborne data on numerical weather prediction.
We are seeking a scientist motivated by real-world applications to evaluate the importance of data collected by instruments deployed from the stratospheric platforms developed by the business partner Voltitude Ltd. The novel observing system provides profiles of pressure, temperature and humidity in meteorologically important, yet under-observed, regions of the globe. The successful applicant will utilise data assimilation methods to quantify how the data could improve accuracy of numerical weather prediction forecasts.
The role is joint funded by Innovate UK and Voltitude. The Associate will work day-to-day in the Voltitude offices in Farnborough with regular interaction with supervisors from the Meteorology Department at the University of Reading. The project will enable the KTP Associate to influence business directions in weather data technology and deployment and it is hoped that after the project the Associate will join Voltitude on a permanent basis to lead an in-house Meteorology and Data Analytics team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small but fast-growing business and play a key role in shaping its future.
The successful candidate will:
- Assess the collection of data from airborne platforms and different techniques used to quantify observation impact on forecasts.
- Develop code based on ensemble sensitivity analysis to assess the potential impact of the Voltitude observations within a numerical weather prediction system.
- Perform uncertainty quantification of the observations, and develop the necessary quality control procedures needed to ingest the new data streams.
- Participate in field work to gain a full appreciation of the deployment of airborne platforms and an understanding of how these systems work in practice;
- Lead on dissemination of the project findings through presentations to academic and commercial audiences including international conferences and through academic publications.
Interviews will be held: 22nd or 25th September 2025
The University of Reading has been ranked as the number one university in the UK in the latest People & Planet University League table and won the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership Award. The Department of Meteorology is a global centre of atmospheric research with over 200 academic and research staff.
Voltitude is a company specializing in novel atmospheric observation technology based in Cody Technology Park, a high tech collaborative working environment in Farnborough.
Contact Name Martin Airey
Contact Job Title Senior Meteorological Support Scientist
Contact Email address
Alternative Contact Name Alison Fowler
Alternative Contact Job Title Research Fellow
Alternative Contact Email address
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.
