Research Fellow, QT-Hub Geophysics Applications

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322. With potential progression once in post to £42,792 a year.

Grade 7
  
Full time

Fixed term contract for up to 24 months

Closing date: 30th September 2021

The research will be conducted as part of the Quantum Technology (QT) – Hub in Sensors and Timing (see https://www.quantumsensors.org ), which comprises a serious of work packages. The Geophysics work package, aims to develop, build and test QT gravity and gravity gradiometer sensors based both on cold-atom and MEMS principles for a range of engineering, geology and earth science applications to detect features in the ground. Work has been ongoing to develop these sensors, which are now moving out of the lab environment to real field trials. To benchmark the performance of the QT sensors, these need to be tested against conventional geophysical sensors including Ground Penetrating Radar, earth resistivity or conductivity as well as classical gravity sensors such as the Scintrex CG6.

Main Duties

The job comprises identifying suitable field trials, conducting trial reconnaissance, planning and ultimately conducting the field trials. Moreover, it comprises the development of trial plans and set-ups within the National Buried Infrastructure Facility at the University of Birmingham. This involves working with external organisations/contacts and analysing of the data using a range of processing approaches and developing (forward) models for the different applications. This will significantly contribute to the evaluation of the new QT sensors. Work will be conducted within the Geophysics team which comprises other PostDocs and PhD students from a number of different disciplines. The specific role is based in the Department of Civil Engineering. Additional duties include:

• Collaborate with the QT-Hub Geophysics team to fulfil its deliverables and milestones and contribute to the wider National Quantum Technology Programme.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification:

The suitable candidate shouldhave a first degree in geophysics, physics, engineering or computer science and normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area or equivalent qualifications. They should have a high level analytical capability, experience in (or willingness to learn) using geophysical sensors together with the data interpretation and be fluent in Matlab or other programming language. Experience in conducting field trials would be an advantage. Moreover, they should have an ability to communicate complex information clearly and be able to contribute to broader management/administration processes.

A UK driving licence would be helpful to travel to the different test sites in the country.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Nicole Metje, [email protected]

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community’