Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Two new full time posts are available from 1 September 2023 on a fixed term basis until 31 August 2026.

Summary of the role

The Faculty wishes to recruit two roles, at Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow level, to work with Dr James Hickey on the “DV3M” project (Deforming Volcanoes with dynamic Magma-Mush Models). These NERC funded posts are available from 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2026, and will form two newly-recruited postdoctoral research roles at the University of Exeter for the DV3M project.

The DV3M project aims to resolve the impact of porous magma-mush reservoirs on volcano deformation and reservoir stability. The successful applicant will develop, verify, test, and apply new Finite-Element based models of volcano deformation that couple poroelastic fluid dynamics with solid mechanics, alongside project PI James Hickey. Working with Co-I’s Fabian Wadsworth (Durham) and Brendan McCormick Kilbride (Manchester) they will incorporate the influence of micro-mechanical fracture mechanics and magma-mush properties and/or the role of volatiles, respectively. They will be involved in liaising with and visiting project partners at the University of Leeds, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, and the Sakurajima Volcano Research Centre, to acquire and assimilate satellite and ground-based monitoring data at target volcanoes Sakurajima (Japan) and Soufrière Hills (Montserrat).

The post will include working towards the modelling objectives of the DV3M project, overseas travel to project partners, writing papers for research journals, and presenting project results at national and international conferences.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to: develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds; and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion for PDRA role) or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in volcanology/geophysics (or other relevant field) and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will ideally be able to: conduct numerical/analytical modelling of volcano deformation (or other related geophysical phenomena); and/or work with satellite and/or ground-based geophysical volcano monitoring data; and display familiarity with the wider importance of the proposed work. However, all training can be provided.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Dr James Hickey by e-mail at [email protected] .