Coastal Processes Research Fellow

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.

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.

Closing date:  12 midnight, Sunday 14 April 2024

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.

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+