Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Associate in Numerical Modelling

Job Purpose

To contribute to/make a leading contribution as a postdoctoral research assistant (Grade 6) or associate (Grade 7) to understanding the interactions between climate and vegetation change, tectonics, and landscape evolution. The preferred candidate should have prior experience in the application of landscape evolution or paleoclimate/climate numerical models to understand topographic or climate change through time. Applications of either approach (landscape evolution or paleoclimate modelling) will focus on understanding how vegetation change in different ecosystems interacts with either topographic development or climate change. Prior programming experience as applied to using or modifying existing models is expected. The position builds upon existing geosystem modeling and high-performance computing facilities within the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct the research group as opportunities allow. The position is part of the Earth Systems Dynamics research group at the University of Glasgow, under the supervision of Prof. Todd Ehlers. Appointment at grade 7 will be considered with prior postdoctoral researcher (or equivalent) experience.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Take a leading role in the planning and conducting of assigned research in accordance with the project strategy agreed upon with Professor Ehlers.

2.  Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and drafting manuscripts.

3.  Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the Earth Systems Dynamics Research Group, including sustaining a track record of joint publications of international quality in high-profile refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.  Survey the research literature, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area to develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

5.  Presentation of work at international and national conferences, internal and external seminars, and colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.  Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7.  Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider scientific community.

8.  Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students (e.g., MSc, PhD students) and less experienced members of the research group to ensure their effective development.

9.   Carry out modest Teaching activities and associated administration as assigned by the Head of School and supervisor (Todd Ehlers).

10.  Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

11.  Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School (Todd Ehlers).

12.  Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

A1 A PhD or equivalent completed in the natural or life sciences, or engineering prior to appointment.

A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of numerical modelling applied to geo-ecological or climate-sciences.

Experience 

Essential: 

E1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner, and the ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

E2 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E3 Experience in making a leading contribution to academic activities.

E4 Ability to demonstrate independence in research as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E5 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, and practices that support replication.

E6 Prior experience in numerical modelling techniques and proficiency in programming in the Python (or equivalent) programming language and shell scripting.

E7 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience in geoscience, ecologic, or climate modelling.

To be appointed at Grade 7:

E8 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

E9 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience including prior postdoctoral experience (or equivalent) in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Desirable:

F1 Prior experience in cluster computing.

F2 Prior experience in the Linux operating system.

F3 Prior experience using remote sensing and GIS data and software.

Application requirements

The application deadline is March 1, 2024. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2024 or sooner (negotiable). Required application materials include completion of the web-based application form (available via LINK), a CV (including a list of peer review publications, names, and contact information for three references), a 1-page statement of research interests and accomplishments, and a cover letter. The cover letter should include point-by-point and clearly labeled descriptions/responses of the applicants that fit with each of the Knowledge/Qualifications, Skills, and Experience criteria listed below. The shortlisting of applicants is expected to occur in March 2024, with online interviews following soon after.

Job Location and Information

The city of Glasgow and the University provide a stimulating international setting with a diverse population and student body. Glasgow is a vibrant city and offers a large range of cultural, music, and culinary opportunities as well as numerous parks and museums.  Glasgow is located at the southern end of the Scottish Highlands and is close to the coast. It provides access to exceptional year-round outdoor activities as well as an international airport.

The School of Geographical and Earth Sciences (GES) is one of six schools in the College of Science and Engineering. GES has ~35 FTE academic staff and 16 FTE professional staff. It delivers three undergraduate programmes with ~600 student FTEs (Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Geography) and eleven taught postgraduate programmes with ~100 FTEs. Research is organised into two groups, Earth Systems Science and Human Geography, and a graduate school with ~55 FTE MSc and PhD students. The school contains close linkages with university research centres such as the Centre for Sustainable Solutions, Centre for Data Science and AI, the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), and the Glasgow Computational Engineering Centre.

Closing date:  10 March 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £34,308 / £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 4 years.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.