Coastal Geomorphologist and System Modeller

Based at the Geological Survey Northern Ireland (GSNI) in Belfast

UKRI Pay Band E/S2 – salary is £48,802 per annum

A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available)

Fixed-term (3 years) 

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced Coastal Geomorphologist and System Modeller to join the BGS Coasts & Estuaries Team and be based at the Geological Survey Northern Ireland (GSNI) in Belfast.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead the coasts and estuaries capability at GSNI by:

• Joining a team focused on quantifying the dynamic behaviour and sensitivity of coastal systems to environmental changes and human impacts.
• Developing and applying innovative behavioural models of coastal change that are directly relevant to a wide-ranging set of partners at human to planning (centennial) time scales.
• Being responsible for the continued development and application of existing and new models of coastal change across the suite of coastal environments, driven by both outstanding scientific questions and the requirements of coastal collaborators. Specifically, this will include continued development of our Coastal Modelling Environment (CoastalME) (Payo et al., 2017, Geosci. Model Dev.), which should engage bio-ecological processes and a greater variety of coastal types and be informed by hydrodynamic principles, while at the same time be able to simulate the emergence of coastal features in an exploratory (complexity) mode.
• Participating, as appropriate, in strategic programme development undertaken by GSNI/BGS Programmes that involve the capability.
• Representing the capability externally, as appropriate, proactively engaging with the user community (government, universities, private sector, GSNI/BGS colleagues) to develop science and business opportunities.
• Working closely with the BGS Head of Coasts & Estuaries capability on two large ongoing research projects: CHAMFER and UKGravelBarriers.

About you

You will have strong knowledge and an academic background in the practice and theory of coastal morphodynamics informed by a good understanding of hydrodynamics and will hold a PhD in a relevant subject area.

Models will be developed and applied in concert with field work and the acquisition of targeted observations, and therefore experience in field work and the use of innovative monitoring techniques and technologies will be required.

You will ideally have a peer-reviewed, published record of accomplishments commensurate with your career stage and you will be expected to seek external funding through the development of national and international research collaborations.

We are looking for someone with excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to articulate your research to both scientists and partners.

Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 4th April 2024.  Interviews are expected to be held in mid-April 2024 in Belfast.

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