Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist - Scientific Computing

Job Purpose

To conduct research and software development related to the numerical modelling of geologic, geomorphic, and climate change processes in the Earth Systems Dynamics Research Group in the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences. We seek a broadly trained scientist or engineer with prior research experience in process-based numerical modelling (e.g., thermal, mechanical, mass transport processes), including, but not limited to, applications of the finite element, finite difference, or control volume techniques. Prior experience in programming, Linux operating system, shell scripting, cluster computing, model/data analysis, and publication in peer-review journals are desirable. Persons with backgrounds in the numerical modelling of geoscience or climatological processes, or physics, mathematics, computer science or engineering are encouraged to apply. The candidate is expected to develop a vibrant research career within the research group and contribute to the management and administration of research group activities, sustained scholarly output, research grant acquisition, and student supervision. The person will report to Prof. Todd Ehlers. At Grade 7, prior postdoctoral experience is relevant to the position. At Grade 8, demonstrated exceptional ability in software development, peer-review publication output, and external fundraising through research grants.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To make a leading contribution to the primary research objectives of the Earth System Dynamics research group. Leading and supporting the development, application, and publication of numerical modelling software and cluster computing.

2. To carry out independent research within the scope of interactions between landscape evolution and climate, tectonic, and biologic interactions.2.

3. To work independently on assigned projects and be accountable for delivering scientific software, conducting model simulations, analyzing model results, and preparing results for publication.

4. To take responsibility for implementing software development and repository (archiving) procedures, and conducting model simulations.

5. To supervise junior staff, and to plan and manage workloads within projects.

6. To act as a research computing and software development consultant within the school, including meeting with and presenting results to internal and external collaborators.

7. Where relevant, to act as a supervisor or co-supervisor for undergraduate or postgraduate research students.

8. To manage project timelines, in collaboration with senior staff.

9. To be accountable for compliance with relevant Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs] and production of internal documentation.

10. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School (Todd Ehlers).

11. To contribute at a senior level to the administrative management of the research group.

12. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile.

For Appointment at Grade 8

13. Take the lead in identifying and attracting new sources of independent and external research funding and researchers into this research area as opportunities permit to support future research.

14. To advise and direct staff within other functional areas of the School/College/University.

15. To participate in internal and external audits.

16. To contribute at a senior level to external project meetings, conferences, and scientific committees.

Application requirements

The application deadline is April 11, 2024. The anticipated start date is negotiable but is intended to be August 1, 2024. Required application materials include completion of an application submitted via the University of Glasgow website, please to go 'current vacancies' , a CV (including a list of peer review publications, names, and contact information for three references), a 1-page statement of research interests and accomplishments, and a cover letter. The cover letter should include point-by-point and clearly labeled descriptions/responses of the applicants fit with each of the Knowledge/Qualifications, Skills, and Experience criteria listed below. The shortlisting of applicants is expected to occur in April/May 2024, with interviews following late May to early June, 2024.

Job Location and Information

The city of Glasgow and the University provide a stimulating international setting with a diverse population and student body. Glasgow is a vibrant city and offers a large range of cultural, music, and culinary opportunities as well as numerous parks and museums.  Glasgow is located at the southern end of the Scottish Highlands and is close to the coast. It provides access to exceptional year-round outdoor activities as well as an international airport.

The School of Geographical and Earth Sciences (GES) is one of six schools in the College of Science and Engineering. GES has 35 FTE academic staff and 16 FTE professional staff. It delivers three undergraduate programmes with 600 student FTEs (Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Geography) and eleven taught postgraduate programmes with 100 FTEs. Research is organised into two groups, Earth Systems Science and Human Geography, and a graduate school with 55 FTE MSc and PhD students. The school contains close linkages with university research centres such as the Centre for Sustainable Solutions, Centre for Data Science and AI, the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), and the Glasgow Computational Engineering Centre.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience Criteria:

Qualifications

Essential:

A1. An awarded PhD/Doctorate degree in natural or computer science, engineering, or mathematics prior to starting the position.

A2. Demonstrated experience in numerical modelling of physical processes and software development.

A3. Previous scholarly outputs in peer-reviewed journals.

A4 Demonstrated experience in research independence.

A5. Prior postdoctoral experience in numerical modelling and/or software development.

For appointment at Grade 8:

A6. Demonstrated exceptional ability in software development, peer-review publication output, and external fundraising through research grants.

Desirable

B1. Experience in one or more of the following: finite or spectral element, finite difference, or control volume modelling.

B2. Experience in numerical modelling of geoscience (tectonic, landscape evolution) or climate processes.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

C1. Clear skills in software development for scientific applications, managing software repositories.

C2. Excellent skills in the Python programming language, shell scripting and at least one other computer language (e.g., C++, Fortran, Julia, etc.).

C3. Demonstrated experience in the Linux operating system.

C4. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations [national and international], and ability to communicate complex and/or large data clearly and concisely to a varied audience.

C5. Excellent interpersonal skills, including teamwork and a collegiate approach.

C6. Appropriate workload and prioritisation skills, including balancing competing demands whilst sustaining quality output.

C7. Significant experience in independent research, structuring own workload, and delivering high-quality outputs within necessary timescales.  Significant problem-solving skills, including a creative, flexible, and pragmatic approach

Desirable

D1. Experience with Linux cluster (HPC) computing.

D2. Experience with Linux system administration.

Experience

Essential

E1. Demonstrable experience in software development and management.

E2. Demonstrable experience in numerical modelling physical processes through the application of numerical methods and the analysis (data reduction, plotting) of results.

E3. Demonstrable experience in collaborative research projects and supporting diverse research group needs.

E4. Experience in publishing research in high-quality, high-impact peer-review journals.

E5. Additional experience, post PhD, publishing research in high-quality, high-impact peer-review journals.

For appointment at Grade 8:

E6. Experience in contributing to overall research objectives, acting as a lead or co- or lead investigator, and creating research proposals and planning work.

E7. Experience supervising or co-supervising under- or post-graduate student research.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7/8, £39,347 - £44,263 / £48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

3 A flexible approach to working.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community

https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

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Vacancy reference number: 141429

Closing date:  11 April 2024