Research Fellow: Soil Modeller

This post is for a soil modeler to develop, evaluate and apply a new model of hydrogen (H₂) uptake and release by soils. The appointee will work in the School of Biological Sciences in the Environmental Modelling Group. The candidate should be adept in literature and database searches, and the use of appropriate statistical methods to (1) determine the controls for H₂ diffusion, assimilation and release from soils, and (2) evaluate the developed model. The candidate should also have skills in computer programming, Fortran, Python or C++.

Design and construction of a process-based soils model for H₂ - The structure of a new model of H₂ uptake and release will be developed. This will aim to devise a functional model, that can be run using only data available in national datasets to provide global scale simulations. Experimental evidence from the literature will initially be used to develop the structure of the model by determining controlling factors and response functions for H₂ uptake and release by soils. The process-based model of H₂ uptake and release for a single spatial point will be constructed around the well-established and widely used Roth-C model of soil organic matter decomposition and respiration.

Model evaluation and application. The model will be evaluated against data produced by the project team. This evaluation will determine the uncertainty in the simulations as the root mean squared error between the simulations and the measurements, also testing the association between simulations and measurements using the correlation coefficient. The input data for global simulations will be collated into a database describing land use and climate scenarios. The global simulations will be run using the constructed scenarios and the results analysed to predict potential future changes in H₂ uptake and release by soils. The evaluation of the model will be used to determine the uncertainty in the predicted values.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, Point 30 with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries should be made to Jo Smith, Professor of Soil organic and nutrient modelling, e-mail:  jo.smith@abdn.ac.uk 

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa.  At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne, HR Adviser (e-mail: lucy.redmayne@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number:  SBS126R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 4 January 2023.

The School of Biological Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring.  Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

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