Research Associate in Hydro(geo)logical Modelling

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Research Associate in Hydro(geo)logical Modelling

Are you a hydro(geo)logist with an interest in sustainable groundwater development? Would you like to work on an exciting project to help develop and train others to model water availability in tropical drylands ? Come and join our growing interdisciplinary research group working on climate resilient water projects around the world!

We are looking for a hydro(geo)logical modeller to join the CLARITY (CLimate Adaptation and Resilience In Tropical drYlands) project team under a 3.5 year grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC, Canada) – Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO, UK) CLARE (Climate Resilience) programme (https://www.clareprogramme.org ).

CLARITY will address the critical need to identify equitable, sustainable and climate-resilient development pathways in tropical drylands. This project will create long term assets (data, tools) and capacities to achieve transformational change. Tropical drylands are home to some of the poorest and most marginalized communities, and are highly vulnerable to climate change. In these regions, groundwater plays a vital role, sustaining water supplies and livelihoods due to its ability to buffer against climate variability. Groundwater development offers opportunities for both sustainable development and climate resilience. But if poorly managed, there are risks of depletion, inequitable access and unsustainable development pathways.

CLARITY will work through ‘Transformational Labs’ (T-Labs) in India, Niger-Nigeria and Tanzania, which span a range of dryland settings and capture the complex challenges of rural/urban water resilience under rapid development. T-Labs are collaborative spaces where people take an active role in co-developing sustainable, equitable pathways. This approach is solutions-focused, transdisciplinary and novel in three ways. It will: (1) co-construct narratives of water management with marginalized groups based on video diaries and interviews and train ‘para-hydrogeologists’ in the community to collect and analyse data for local action; (2) use the narratives and data to build models that generate disaggregated, technically and socially ‘plausible’ pathways; and (3) engage with key change makers to ensure the research gets embedded in wider policy processes and communities of practice by sharing tools, training materials, interactive reports and ‘serious games’.

At Cardiff University you will be working with Dr Mark Cuthbert in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Dr Adrian Healy in the School of Geography and Planning. In this role, you will also collaborate closely with a range of partners in the UK and abroad, to develop integrated hydro(geo)logical models, using our in-house code DRYP (https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-6893-2021 ), of catchments/aquifers in Tanzania, Niger-Nigeria and India. Part of the role is to support training of project partners within the T-labs to further develop and use the models for testing climate resilient pathways for water management. You would largely be based at Cardiff University but you would also need to be able travel internationally for meetings, conferences, and to conduct training in the T-labs countries/locations.

We’d like to hear from you if you are a creative, independent thinker who also works well in a team and are passionate about groundwater sustainability, as well as having an established research expertise and/or relevant industrial experience in hydro(geo)logical modelling.

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is a fixed-term 18 months appointment. Available immediately
Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6)

Please contact Mark Cuthbert ([email protected] ) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.

For further details about working in Cardiff University please contact John Evans, email [email protected] , or Claudia Pena Becerra ([email protected]).

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 20 December 2023

Closing date: Monday, 29 January 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

To conduct international hydro(geo)logical modelling research within the CLARITY (CLimate Adaptation and Resilience In Tropical drYlands) project and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Research

• To conduct research within hydro(geo)logical modelling using our in-house code, DRYP and other tools and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in national academic journals and conferences and, if appropriate, bidding for funding, the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

• To represent the CLARITY project at national and international meetings.
• To prepare materials for, and carry out, training in hydro(geo)logical modelling, in the UK and internationally.
• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1.   Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.   An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
Hydro(geo)logical data handling and modelling
Groundwater sustainability

3.   Knowledge of current status of research in the field of groundwater sustainability and hydro(geo)logical modelling
4.   Proven ability to publish in international journals, international conferences and/or other research outputs
5.   Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working
6.   Proven ability in effective and persuasive interdisciplinary communication
7.  Ability to train, support and supervise others from diverse technical and cultural backgrounds, focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
8.   Willingness to travel internationally, including to sub-Saharan Africa and India
9.   Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
10. Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

Additional Information

We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter.

This role is eligible to be offered on a blended working basis, meaning that as well as spending time working on campus you may spend some time working from another location, e.g. your home. The University is committed to offering this flexibility, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.

Job Category

Academic - Research