Research Associate in structural geology

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Research Associate in Structural Geology

Are you a structural geologist with an interest in earthquakes? Would you like to work on an exciting project that combines field geology, microstructures, rock deformation experiments and numerical models? Consider joining our team that combines the above techniques to better understand earthquake processes at the scale of natural faults!

We’re looking for a structural geologist (with a PhD or equivalent research experience at time of appointment) to work on a new project (ASPERITY: Aseismic SliP and Earthquake Ruptures: Interrogating Transitions in rheologY) that focuses on the broad question of ‘Where and why do tectonic faults produce earthquakes or slip aseismically?’ Your main role will be to study fault zones in the field, collect samples, and study the microstructure of these samples in the laboratory. You’ll be part of an interdisciplinary and multinational team including local collaborators at a number of field sites. You will be expected to collaborate with other team members, with specialities in numerical modelling and experimental rock deformation.

This project was selected for an ERC Consolidator Grant, and is funded by the UKRI Frontier Research Guarantee, awarded to project lead Ake Fagereng. For more information on this and past projects, see Ake’s web profile here: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/fagerenga

The role can start from July 2024 and is funded for four years. We can discuss the start date within a time range through the autumn of 2024.

Our research programme is fundamentally based on understanding the structure of fault zones and the geological controls on fault slip. As such, this role is an essential part of the project and responsible for field observations and microstructural analysis.

We are expanding the School’s Electron Microbeam facility with a new Variable-Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope to which you will have extensive access, including for method development. There is scope to shape the role to align with your interests, and the observational work could be coupled to some rheological modelling. You will have prior experience of field geology, and ideally in working with fault zone rocks. There may also be scope to get involved in numerical or experimental efforts, based on experience and interest.

You should be committed to a positive and supportive team environment, capable of organising your own work, and co-ordinating with others over shared work and resources. You’ll be part of the ASPERITY project along with Ake Fagereng, two other Research Associates, and one PhD student. We commonly also have some Masters students join the group for dissertation work. You’ll also be part of the wider Centre for Tectonics and Geophysics, which at the moment includes nine members of faculty, two more Research Associates and seven further PhD students, providing many colleagues’ experience to draw on. The Centre is a part of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, which is a lively and dynamic community that aims to promote sustainability through education, dissemination, and direct participation.

Much of our work is in collaboration with international partners, so please indicate in your application if you have previous experience of similar collaborations. There are opportunities to travel for meetings, conferences, and fieldwork and those who have particular needs around travel and fieldwork (such as adjustments for family commitments) will be accommodated as best we can: we will work with you to ensure that your travel and fieldwork meets your needs and that you find it enjoyable and fulfilling. Fieldwork locations potentially include Japan, Panama, New Zealand, and more locally in north Wales.

This role is eligible to be offered on a blended working basis, meaning that as well as spending time working on campus you may spend some time working from another location, e.g. your home. We are also very flexible on working hours, supporting work-life balance. If you need a visa to take up this position, we can help with the paperwork and contribute to the costs.

Please read the job description and person specification carefully and ensure that you demonstrate how you meet all of the Essential Criteria in your Supporting Statement (for example, by using the criteria as headings and writing a couple of sentences under each one), and then similarly show how you meet as many of the Desirable Criteria as you can. Please do not be put off if you cannot meet all the desirable criteria, as you will have the opportunity to learn additional skills as part of the position.

For further informal queries please contact Ake Fagereng ([email protected]).

The School is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting inclusive working practices in STEMM subjects in higher education. It has recently renewed is Athena Swan Bronze Award. Staff and students from the School are active members of the global ‘Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE)’ community. We particularly welcome female applicants and those from an ethnic minority, as they are under-represented within the School at these levels.

This post is full-time, fixed-term for 4 years.

The appointment will be made, dependent on relevant qualification and experience within the following grade bands:

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6)

The role comes with pension provision through the Universities’ Superannuation Scheme, 37 days of annual leave, and a range of other staff benefits including a cycle-to-work scheme.  

For further details about working at Cardiff University please contact John Evans, email: [email protected]  or local HR Administrator Claudia Pena at [email protected] 

More information on the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth-environmental-sciences

Date advert posted: Thursday, 15 February 2024

Closing date: Friday, 15 March 2024

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

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Job Description

To conduct research within structural geology, including field campaigns and microstructural investigations, focusing on mapping and analysis of fault zone rocks and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research within structural geology 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 prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• 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

Job Category

Academic - Research