Researcher (12 Months Fixed Term Contract - Renewable) - Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

UP Professional and Support FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, GEOINFORMATICS AND METEOROLOGY RESEARCHER (12 MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT - RENEWABLE) PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8 In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development. BACKGROUND: This position forms part of the Wellcome Trust funded research programme: "CAMMISA: Climate-focused Analytics and Modelling for Mosquito-borne Infections in Southern Africa." The successful candidate will contribute to research aimed at improving understanding and prediction of climate variability affecting southern Africa. The research will focus on dynamical mechanisms linking large-scale atmospheric circulation variability to regional climate predictability. RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will be responsible for: Conducting research on large-scale atmospheric circulation dynamics influencing Southern African climate variability; Investigating energetics of the general circulation and mid-latitude dynamical processes; Analysing Rossby wave breaking and related dynamical processes in the Southern Hemisphere; Conducting mathematical and dynamical analysis of atmospheric circulation variability; Applying theoretical dynamical meteorology (e.g., Rossby wave dynamics, quasi-geostrophic theory and atmospheric energetics) to climate diagnostics; Analysing climate reanalysis and climate model datasets; Contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications; Assisting with postgraduate supervision and research capacity development; Contributing to teaching and training activities within the meteorology programme where required, including areas such as synoptic meteorology, atmospheric circulation, dynamical meteorology, the general circulation of the atmosphere and climate dynamics; Contributing to the research outputs of the CAMMISA project; Contributing to the development of process-based dynamical diagnostics and modelling tools that support improved understanding and prediction of seasonal climate variability. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: MSc degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Climate Science or a closely related field; Experience analysing large-scale atmospheric circulation variability; Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python or similar); Experience working in Unix/Linux computing environments; Strong background in synoptic and dynamical meteorology; Strong background in dynamical meteorology and mathematical analysis of atmospheric circulation. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES): Knowledge of large-scale atmospheric dynamics; Ability to analyse large climate datasets and reanalysis products; Ability to prepare scientific reports and peer-reviewed publications; Good oral presentation skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a research team; Good communication and organisational skills. ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES: Research experience related to Southern Hemisphere atmospheric dynamics; Experience analysing Rossby wave breaking or dynamical tropopause diagnostics; Familiarity with quasi-geostrophic diagnostics or atmospheric energetics; Experience working with climate model output; Evidence of conference presentations in atmospheric science. PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process. The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. In applying for this post, please attach: A comprehensive CV; Certified copies of qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact. CLOSING DATE: 3 June 2026 No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements. Mrs A Hlatshwayo, Tel: (012) 420 6779, Email: art.hlatshwayo@up.ac.za for application-related; and Prof WA Landman, Tel: (012) 420 3713 Email: Willem.Landman@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content. Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 July 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.