Research Assistant/Research Fellow - Over the Horizon Radar

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.

We are seeking a Research Assistant or Research Fellow to work with the project lead to plan, manage the build, and monitor the operation of a new Over The Horizon (OTH) HF radar installation. Building on the University of Plymouth’s 12 year history of operating the UK’s only double antenna HF radar station, we have been contracted to oversee the upgrade of this system in order to test the dual use object tracking capability of such systems. Working within the School of Biological and Marine Sciences and associated with the Coastal Processes Research Group, you will be responsible for preparing and overseeing the delivery of this new installation. Once the installation is operational, you will be in charge of managing system operation and data delivery, performing data validation studies, and characterizing data collection statistics. There is room for the role holder to prepare technical publications related to the environmental sensing capabilities of this unique HF radar facility.

You will have an appropriate academic qualification (PhD for grade 7, MSc for grade 6, Bsc for grade 5) in Oceanography, Coastal Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science or related subject. Extensive professional experience in environmental measurements of radar technology may be considered to compensate for academic credentials. In addition, you will ideally have knowledge in marine remote sensing, radar operations, an in depth understanding of coastal wave and current physics. Strong programming and data analysis skills are desired along with practical experience in planning and construction.

The initial appointment will be until June 30 2024 but the project sponsor is committed to extending the project until January 2025. A successful demonstration is expected to lead to rollout of this technology across the UK and the role holder would be uniquely positioned to participate in that development.

You should tailor your application towards the Job Description for which you meet the criteria, although the University reserves the right to make an offer at the appropriate level in relation to skills and experience.

For more information, please contact Daniel Conley, Professor of Nearshore Processes on 01752 584561 or by emailing [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.

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.

Interviews are likely to take place on Friday 29 March 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 ending Sunday 30 June 2024 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 – Grade 5

Job Description – Grade 6

Job Description – Grade 7