Each year, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics offers summer vacation projects. These projects are open to students from any University but candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK.
Students will work with a supervisor in the Department, usually a research fellow or a faculty member, on a self-contained research project. Students are encouraged to take part in the Department’s life, joining researchers for coffee breaks, discussions and seminars.
The projects will typically run for 8 weeks, beginning on or around 1 July. The duration may be adjusted to be shorter or longer, or to accommodate summer travel. The projects are usually full-time but hours can be discussed with your supervisor. Students will be paid as employees of the University, receiving a payment of at the Oxford living wage (subject to tax and National Insurance deductions).
For administrative enquiries please contact andrea.simpson@physics.ox.ac.uk
AOPP summer vacation projects for 2025:
Title: Revamping the AOPP Space Instruments Shock Test Facility
Supervisors: Fraser Clarke, Tris Warren, Jon Temple
The AOPP Space Instrumentation group builds and tests instruments which need to survive the rigours of space, and of getting there. For this, we have a suite of test facilities which can simulate the space environment and launch stresses instruments will need to withstand. One of these is our shock test facility. A conceptually simple facility (dropping a big mass onto a table!), it allows us to simulate and test shocks of over 1000g. The facility needs a revamp to increase its capability, quality, and usability. This project would involve both physical improvements to the test set-up to allow a more controlled shock to be generated, along with improvements to the control software to make the system more user friendly. Depending on time, running a series of tests to develop a library of shock profiles would an ideal outcome of the project.
Skills Required
This project would suit a hands-on student with some practical experience involving mechanics, electronics, and software, and looking for a project to further develop those skills. Some experience of writing software to integrate with hardware would be beneficial (e.g. Arduino, PI, etc). Experience of MATLAB would be helpful but not absolutely necessary.
How to Apply
Applicants should email a CV, name and contact details of one academic reference, and a short cover letter explaining their interest in this placement to fraser.clarke@physics.ox.ac.uk. Please feel free to contact Fraser Clarke with any queries regarding this placement.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, with review of applications commencing on Friday 23th May 2025.
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Title: Support Evidence Gathering in Climate Change Impact Showcases
Supervisors: Myles Allen (Oxford AOPP), Bryony Elbert Straker (Oxford Research Facilitation)
This summer internship offers a unique opportunity for students passionate about climate science and AI. Working with Professor Myles Allen, a pioneer in climate physics, the project focuses on identifying and organizing evidence of real-world impact from Oxford’s research on Net Zero and methane emissions. The intern will explore how AI large language models can streamline the search through vast policy and corporate documents to uncover relevant data, and assist in crafting a coherent narrative describing developments on decadal timescales. The goal is to build a structured, evidence-backed narrative for REF2029 submissions, while also contributing to University-wide efforts to understand how AI can be used in generally in REF preparations. This role is ideal for students interested in applying AI to environmental policy, scientific communication, or research strategy. You’ll gain hands-on experience at the intersection of climate science, data analysis, and academic impact. Funding is available for a project duration of 8 weeks (which can be non-contiguous), commencing sometime in early to mid-July, with flexibility over exact dates.
Skills Required
This project would suit a student from the physical sciences or mathematics, with an interest in climate science and an ability to understand undergraduate physics at a first/second year level. Familiarity with generative AI such as ChatGPT and coding experience would also be valuable. Enquiries on the project are welcome.
How to Apply
Applicants should email a CV, name and contact details of one academic reference, a short cover letter explaining their interest in this placement and their availability over the summer to bryony.elbert@physics.ox.ac.uk. Please feel free to contact Bryony Elbert Straker with any queries regarding this placement.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, with review of applications commencing on 19th June 2025.
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Title: Enhancing Weather Forecasting Impact with AI and Scientific Communication
Supervisors: Milan Kloewer (Oxford AOPP), Shruti Nath (Oxford AOPP), Fenwick Cooper (Oxford AOPP), Bryony Elbert Straker (Oxford Research Facilitation)
This project supports the development of two impact case studies based on the work of Oxford’s Predictability of Weather and Climate Group, focusing on innovations in weather forecasting. The first case examines the adoption of reduced-precision computing by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which has improved model efficiency and accuracy. The second highlights AI-driven rainfall forecasting in East Africa, developed in collaboration with local meteorological services to strengthen early warning systems. A summer intern will work with researchers and REF impact specialists to draft compelling narratives that link Oxford’s research to real-world outcomes. The intern will also explore how generative AI can support the writing and evidence-gathering process. This project offers a unique opportunity to learn more about global climate resilience while gaining experience in scientific communication, AI applications, and research impact strategy—ideal for students interested in the intersection of climate science, data, and policy. Funding is available for a project duration of 8 weeks (which can be non-contiguous), commencing sometime in July, with flexibility over exact dates.
Skills Required
This project would suit a student from the physical sciences or mathematics, with an interest in climate science and an ability to understand undergraduate physics at a first/second year level. Familiarity with generative AI such as ChatGPT and coding experience would also be valuable. Enquiries on the project are welcome.
How to Apply
Applicants should email a CV, name and contact details of one academic reference, a short cover letter explaining their interest in this placement and their availability over the summer to bryony.elbert@physics.ox.ac.uk. Please feel free to contact Bryony Elbert Straker with any queries regarding this placement.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, with review of applications commencing on 19th June 2025.
For 2025, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics is offering 2 UNIQ+ Research Internships. UNIQ+ Research Internships are designed to provide students from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds who are ordinarily resident in the UK with the opportunity to experience postgraduate study. During the seven-week programme, which will run from Monday 7 July to Friday 21 August 2025, you will undertake a research project, attend training skills and information sessions, and have the opportunity to take part in events. Further information can be found on the UNIQ+ webpages.
Applications for the UNIQ+ Projects for 2025 are now closed.