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Between 2006 and 2009, 0.1% of employed doctoral graduates or 10 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as meteorologists six months after graduation.

Job description

Doctoral level meteorologists are most commonly found in research roles outside the HE sector, although a significant proportion also work in HE research jobs.

Meteorologists study the causes of particular weather conditions using information obtained from the land, sea and upper atmosphere. They use computerised and mathematical models to make short- and long-range forecasts concerning weather and climate patterns. Several types of organisation use meteorological forecasts including transport services, particularly air and sea travel, the shipping and sea fishing industries and sailing organisations, the government and the armed forces.

In addition to forecasting, meteorologists study the impact of weather on the environment and conduct research into weather patterns, climate change and models of weather prediction.

Typical work activities

A meteorologist generally covers both forecasting and research activities.

When weather forecasting, typical work activities involve:

  • Collecting data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world
  • Measuring factors such as air pressure, temperature and humidity at various atmospheric levels
  • Analysing and presenting this information to customers in the form of weather briefings
  • Coding weather reports for transmission over international networks
  • Applying physical and mathematical relationships and sophisticated computer models to make short- and long-range weather forecasts
  • Liaising with colleagues and clients from around the country and worldwide

In research, typical work activities include:

  • Investigating subjects such as airflow in the lowest kilometre of the atmosphere, the physics of clouds and precipitation or global climate change
  • Developing and improving numerical and computer models to predict atmospheric processes and improve the accuracy of forecasts
  • Monitoring climate variability and change
  • Researching seasonal forecasting, ocean forecasting and climate prediction;
  • Monitoring and investigating changes in the stratosphere (10-50km above the Earth), including the ozone layer
  • Applying the results of research in order, for example, to give flood warnings or estimate the likely effects of global warming
  • Collaborating with industry/academia to apply the results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices
  • Publishing papers, and presenting ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences
  • Teaching, demonstrating or supervising students (in academia) and training and supervising other members of staff
  • Devising or helping to draw up new research proposals and applying for funding and grants

Academic research work for meteorologists is very similar in nature to the research work the new entrant carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into these research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities.

Entry requirements

Degree and doctoral subjects most acceptable for entry include:

  • Meteorology- a list of meteorology degree programmes in the UK is available from the Royal Meteorological Society
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Computer science/software engineering
  • Oceanography
  • Physical sciences

A postgraduate degree is required for research posts and, although not essential for other types of work, may increase your chances of appointment to meteorology positions generally.

As computer modelling is a major part of a meteorologist's work, it is helpful to gain some experience of this, either through relevant work experience or by completing a degree project with computer modelling as a strong component.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

  • Good problem-solving ability
  • Mathematical and computing ability
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to write scientific reports
  • A team orientated approach to work
  • Adaptability and the ability to interact with a wide range of people which is especially important in the more commercial, customer-orientated environment of operational forecasting
  • Enthusiasm and a genuine interest in meteorology and the environment

Salary

  • The largest employer of meteorologists is the Met Office, where salaries for graduates start at around £19,500. Salaries at the next level range from around £25,000 to £35,000
  • Managerial positions attract salaries from £38,000 rising to over £60,000 (all salary data collected November 2009)
  • Salaries for meteorologists in the academic sector are usually on university postdoctoral research scales
  • Salaries in other organisations vary

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in these occupations were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering meteorology were:

Career stories

Dr Matt Huddleston    

Principal Consultant in Climate Change, The Met Office

"The Met Office suits me down to the ground ‘cos we're a nice mix, some wonderful academic research and with hundreds of PhD scientists working together but then applying that science is, is a great joy and interest. That sort of experience in research can give you a great thirst for knowledge and really relate what you are doing back to the outer world."

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