AIB E3 Assistant Professor in Earth System Modelling

School/Department:           School of Natural Sciences/Discipline of Geology

Job Category and Level:     Academic; Assistant Professor

Post Status Tenure Track - This position is Tenure Track position which is 5-years in the first instance, permanency is subject to satisfying the tenure requirements.

Closing Date : 10-Apr-2026 12:00

The Purpose of the Role 

The AIB Trinity Climate Hub together with The School of Natural Sciences and the Discipline of Geology, seek to appoint an AIB/E3 Assistant Professor in the area of Earth System Modelling. More specifically, the successful candidate will utilize numerical modelling of complex geochemical datasets to advance our understanding of the Earth system and its interconnected components of geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and associated (bio)geochemical cycles in the time domain. The successful applicant will have an established reputation in teaching and research in the field of Earth System Modelling and will demonstrate how traditional geological expertise, including field-based observation, data collection, and Earth systems understanding, provides essential foundations for climate science and innovation. As such, they will be expected to i) develop a novel and internationally competitive research programme, and ii) contribute to both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching within the Geosciences and in interdisciplinary curricular teaching across the School, as well as supervision and mentoring where appropriate, of undergraduate and postgraduate students within the School of Natural Sciences (which in addition to Geology also includes Geography, Botany and Zoology) and as part of the E3 learning foundry which includes the School of Natural Sciences, the School of Engineering and the School of Computer Sciences and Statistics. 

Even for the near future, predictions of the magnitude and spatial distribution of global climate change carry considerable uncertainty because of inherent complexities in a highly heterogeneous world interconnected by numerous physical, chemical and biological processes, and with complex feedback mechanisms. Geology's unique contribution to climate research lies in its deep-time perspective, quantitative analytical methods, and systems approach to understanding Earth processes. Consequently, this position recognises that Geology is the cornerstone science for understanding climate change, as geological records provide the only long-term baseline for natural climate variability, while geological processes control carbon cycling, natural hazards, and resource availability that are central to climate solutions. 

Candidates may focus on modelling of Earth system processes operating at the present day and in the geological past, such as during time intervals of major environmental change that may include, but are not limited to, palaeoclimates & environments (marine, terrestrial, local– global), carbon cycle dynamics (e.g., sources, sinks & fluxes), biogeochemistry (e.g., nutrient cycles) and ecosystem processes and climate-biosphere feedbacks. Alternatively, they may apply their knowledge of geological systems to environmental sustainability and development of solutions to contemporary climate challenges in Ireland and beyond. This might include, but again is not limited to, geological hazards and climate adaptation, geological carbon solutions (such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage), and sustainable earth resources for the energy transition. 

It is envisaged that the candidate’s research will be relevant to current national and international research priorities in Earth-system modelling. A strong track record in publication is expected and the appointee will be required to compete for national and international research funding (e.g. Research Ireland; EU Horizon Europe; ERC; EPA; GSI) and to build a dynamic research group with international recognition. Importantly, the appointee’s research will provide opportunities for cross-disciplinary research among Schools within the Trinity E3 initiative (Engineering, Environment and Emerging Technologies, hosted by the schools of Natural Sciences, Computer Sciences and Engineering), as well as the AIB Climate Hub, the Climate Gateway, and potentially Nature+ (the Trinity Centre for Biodiversity & Sustainable Nature-based solutions), The Trinity Centre for the Environment (https://www.tcd.ie/environment/) and the new Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water (https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/2023/trinity-to-headquarter-cli… -co-centre/ )

Context 

The School of Natural Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The School comprises the Disciplines of Botany, Geography, Geology and Zoology and is also home to three research centres, the Trinity Centre for the Environment and Nature+, the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water and the new AIB Trinity Climate Hub. The School is home to 50 academic staff, 31 professional support staff, and 35 research staff. The School manages seven undergraduate and four taught master’s degree programmes and contributes to several other programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, catering to more than 850 students collectively. 

The Discipline of Geology and School of Natural Sciences house advanced state-of-the-art optical and geochemical laboratory facilities (https://www.tcd.ie/geology/research/researchfacilities/) which the successful applicant would be encouraged to incorporate into their proposed research programme. 

The AIB Trinity Climate Hub drives positive impact on our planet’s future through transformative research and engagement across and beyond Trinity. We are funded by one of Ireland’s leading banks, AIB, for 2025- 2029. We have a university-wide approach bringing diverse groups together from across Trinity to create interdisciplinary connections. We provide flexible support bridging gaps left by existing funding structures, adapting to the specific needs of researchers and external partners. We provide specialized support unique to climate, biodiversity and water challenges, including new infrastructure and equipment, targeted engagement and training. The AIB Trinity Climate Hub will fund this position until 2029 when it will transition fully to an E3 Assistant Professor position. The post holder will be required to engage with and acknowledge the AIB Trinity Climate Hub while funded. 

As the School of Natural Sciences a member of the Trinity E3 initiative (Engineering, Environment and Emerging Technologies) (E3 - E3 | Trinity College Dublin), the post holder will also contribute directly to ongoing E3 activities and initiatives across the School.

Qualifications 

• Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant research area and be able to demonstrate a proven track record in the specific field. 

• Academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or publications of equal standing of recognised originality and value.