Research Associate

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Research Associate
Cardiff School of Engineering

The successful applicant will be joining Cardiff University, one of the UK’s leading research led universities, as a Research Associate on the ASPIRE (Accelerated Supergene Processes in Repository Engineering) project. This EPSRC funded post involves research into developing models of the enhanced leaching of valuable elements from industrial wastes and the engineering of biogeochemical systems for their capture, as part of the development of next generation waste repositories. It will also involve a smaller amount of experimental work on enhanced solute transport in porous media via physical, electrokinetic and biological control. As such the role requires relevant expertise in (geo)environmental engineering and expertise in numerical modelling of solute fate and transport in porous media, with knowledge of waste materials or processes an added advantage. The research will involve collaboration with researchers at the Universities of Leeds, Hull and West of England and thus will require occasional travel to these and other collaborating organisations, companies and test sites.

The successful candidate will take a key role within the ASPIRE team, undertaking some experimental work concerning geoenvironmental engineering of wastes in the laboratory and developing a digital model of the proposed next generation waste repositories.

This post is full time, fixed term for 24 months. (The project ends on 29 February 2024 therefore this post cannot run beyond this date)

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 per annum (Grade 6)

Job ref: 12948BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Prof Peter Cleall, [email protected]

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Gaynor James [email protected]

Interview date: 9 December 2021

Date advert posted: Friday, 12 November 2021

Closing date: Wednesday, 1 December 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

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

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.

Job Description

• To conduct research within the field of Geoenvironmental Engineering and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and 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 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 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:
i.    (Geo)Environmental Engineering/Management
ii.    Numerical modelling of solute fate and transport in porous media

3.    Experience of laboratory experimentation
4.    Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
5.    Proven ability to publish in international journals / international conferences
6.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies 

Communication and Team Working
7.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
8.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
9.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
10.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

11.    Evidence of collaborations with industry
12.     Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
13.   Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to                         enhance  the research activities of the School. 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 12948BR.  

Job Category

Academic - Research