Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher, School Of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

2 Years, Fixed-Term, Whole-time Post

Position Summary

Context

With the renovated interest in offshore geology driven by the need of evidence-supported strategies for marine spatial planning -including offshore renewable energy (ORE), marine infrastructure and marine protected areas development, a detailed reappraisal of the shallow marine bedrock geology of Ireland is sorely needed. At present only a low-resolution solid geology map is available on the EMODnet portal, however with the acquisition of novel high-resolution multibeam echosounder data from the INFOMAR programme, significant improvements can be made.

Project outline and aims

The high-resolution INFOMAR multibeam bathymetric dataset (up to 2 m/pixel) allows for an extension and improvement of the geological interpretation of the shallow regions, but in the absence of ground-truthing, must rely on computer algorithms to facilitate the task. Machine Learning and geomorphometry analysis can enable the categorisation of rock morphotypes, strike and dips of bedding planes and faulting in order to streamline the geological interpretation as well as link the offshore geology to onshore observations. Previous work carried out in the Marine Geoscience Group at UCC has demonstrated proof-of-concept of these techniques and produced a first tentative seamless bedrock geology map of the area offshore the Loop Head peninsula, enabled the extraction of cross profiles and stereographic projects of structural features.

We are looking for a suitable candidate to fill a two-year senior postdoctoral position in the Marine Geoscience Group at UCC. Their work will involve:

1.         The application of Machine Learning techniques to separate gravel/coarse grained sediment cover from bedrock outcrops taking advantage of the very high resolution coastal MBES data available and thus delineating the mappable areas.

2.         The exploration of bedrock morphotypes using Machine learning, and the production of computer-based confidence scores to provide repeatable results for future INFOMAR data.

3.         The geological mapping proper of the outcropping bedrock areas, using mainly MBES data and coupling semi-automated geomorphometry techniques with manual supervision, quality control and classification. Results will include a classification of the bedrock at Group level and major structural elements like faults/joints and fold positions. Seamless links to onshore geology mapping will be attempted where possible.

Project Title: A new offshore geological map of the Irish shelf through Machine Learning and semi-automated techniques

Post Duration: 2 years

Salary:  €50,540 - €54,966 (IUA PD2 Salary Scale)

For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Andy Wheeler, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 4904577; Email: [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to [email protected], quoting the job-title and project name.

Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 8th March 2024.

No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.  As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff.  We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.

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