Coastal Processes Research Fellow

Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Biological and Marine Sciences is primed to enable students to achieve their ambitions by linking research to real world problems. Students are equipped with the skills they need to make a positive impact on the sustainability of our environment and society.

With many amazing ecosystems right on our doorstep in the UK’s first National Marine Park, Plymouth boasts one of the highest concentrations of world-leading marine scientists in Europe and benefits from world-class research facilities such as the Marine Station, the fleet of research vessels and LABplus.

Our programmes are grouped into three subject areas: inspiring change for a more sustainable future with biological sciences; protecting the diversity of marine life on our planet with marine biology; and exploring, understanding and protecting our ocean systems with marine science. Students are taught by experts in their fields, with teaching informed by world-leading research for which the University has been awarded two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Environment and Conservation, and a UK top 10 impact ranking for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal, Life Below Water in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

The University of Plymouth is inviting applications for a Research Fellow position in coastal processes (subject to confirmation of funding).

The position is associated with three UKRI-funded research projects:

• Weather and Climate Science for Service Partnership, South Africa (WCSSP SA)
• Natural adaptation of atoll islands to sea-level rise offering opportunities for ongoing human occupation (ARISE)
• Making Space For Sand (MS4S)

The projects:

You will undertake innovative research supporting the activities of all three of the above projects, involving modelling of coastal hazards and hydro- and morpho-dynamic processes. Although the three projects have distinct research aims, each is strongly driven by research impact goals, including reducing drowning risk from rip currents and informing coastal management and adaptation decisions relating to future coastal evolution.

For WCSSP SA - You will develop data-driven rip forecasting tools that can be implemented on a large geographic scale by undertaking statistical analysis of rip current incidents and met-ocean forcing data. You will also develop innovative methods to identify rip hazard hot spots through remote sensing and machine learning, and you will gather in-situ field data to verify the forecast. For ARISE and MS4S you will develop hydro- and morpho-dynamic models to predict coastal sediment transport pathways and improve understanding of the future evolution of coral attol island and coastal dune environments, respectively.

This is an exciting chance to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location and work within a supportive team of world-leading coastal researchers.

You will have a PhD in a coastal processes related field (Marine Science, Oceanography, Coastal Engineering or similar), and have published from your PhD research. You will have excellent numeracy skills required for analysing large data sets and demonstrable experience using hydro- and morpho-dynamic numerical models. Modelling experience with Delft3D or XBeach is highly desirable. Experience with coastal field data collection and/or machine learning is also desirable. You are someone who likes working in a team, but is also self-motivated and able to work independently.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr. Christopher Stokes by email [email protected]

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles.This role is also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team.

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 29 April 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 35 months due to funding.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.  A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+

Job Description