Job Description
Full time, Fixed Term contract for 30 months
Closing date 5 January 2026
Interviews will be held: 21st January 2026
By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
Advance Weather Forecasting with Voltitude and the University of Reading
This exciting opportunity is part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK and Voltitude. We’re seeking a passionate and driven individual (scientist) to lead a transformative 30-month project based primarily at Voltitude, renowned for their expertise and knowledge of High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS), located in Farnborough, Hampshire.
As part of this strategic initiative, you’ll play a pivotal role in evaluating how cutting-edge stratospheric platforms can transform global weather forecasting by using data assimilation methods to quantify the impact of observations from under-observed, regions of the globe on forecast accuracy. You’ll work closely with the academic team from the University of Reading’s School of Meteorology visiting the university approximately once per week either in person or virtually.
About Voltitude
Voltitude is a small but fast-growing business and this position will play a key role in shaping its future. 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. Learn more at voltitude.co.uk
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assessing the collection of data from airborne platforms and different techniques used to quantify observation impact on forecasts.
- Developing code based on ensemble sensitivity analysis to assess the potential impact of the Voltitude observations within a numerical weather prediction system.
- Performing uncertainty quantification of the observations and develop the necessary quality control procedures needed to ingest the new data streams.
- Participating in field work to gain a full appreciation of the deployment of airborne platforms and an understanding of how these systems work in practice.
- Leading on the dissemination of the project findings through presentations to academic and commercial audiences including international conferences and through academic publications.
Your Team
You’ll be employed by the University of Reading, but will be based and work with the team at Voltitude:
- Academic Supervisors: Professor John Methven, Dr Martin Airey and Dr Alison Fowler, Department of Meteorology.
- Business Supervisor: Paul Stevens (Chief Executive Officer)
Professional Development
We’re committed to your growth. You’ll benefit from:
- A £5,000 personal training budget tailored to your development goals.
- Access to residential management skills training.
- Mentorship from leading experts in meteorology.
Please note the applicant must be eligible to work on UK Government/MOD contracts in order to work in Voltitude’s collaboration environment. This typically requires being able to meet the requirements of the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and being able to obtain relevant security clearance. Any offer will be subject to this being demonstrated.
Contact Name Martin Airey
Contact Job Title Senior Meteorological Support Scientist
Contact Email address m.w.airey@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name Alison Fowler
Alternative Contact Job Title Research Fellow
Alternative Contact Email address a.m.fowler@reading.ac.uk
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.
