Senior Research Associate

Employment type:  Fixed-term contract (26 months – no later than 31 August 2025)

Interview date: 06 June 2023

The University of Portsmouth is a dynamic and ambitious institution with a track record of success. Applications are invited for a Senior Research Associate to work as part of a new NERC-funded research project “Forecasting Eruptions at Volcanoes after Extended Repose” (FEVER).

The FEVER project will test the hypothesis that rock deformation and fracture can be used to measure the pre-eruptive stability of a volcano and, from this, allow deterministic forecasts of eruption far enough ahead of time to be of practical value. We are pleased to support the project with two Senior Research Associates each working on a related research theme (a laboratory-based testing theme based at Portsmouth, and a forecasting/model theme based at UCL).

The Senior Research Associate based at the University of Portsmouth will design, test, and manage the laboratory-rock-physics-testing aspect of this research project and related activities under the direction of CoI Benson at the Rock Mechanics Laboratory. They will also be involved in liaising and networking with relevant internal and external professionals, including the parallel postdoctoral researcher based at UCL, and co-developing experiments, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting research data. Briefly, experiments will simulate rock fracture in compression and tension at temperatures to 400C using a modified triaxial cell fitted with Acoustic Emission monitoring (as a proxy for field scale seismicity) to test new models for eruption forecasting. The applicant will work closely with both Principal and Co-Investigator to write papers for research journals and material for publications and contributing to the growing research culture in volcanotectonics and geological hazards. We will also work in partnership with researchers at Vesuvius Observatory and the Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies to test the final models.

For the Portsmouth post we seek an individual with a passion for physical volcanology and who ideally has experience in laboratory (experimental) rock deformation and/or rock physics. The successful candidate should be familiar with rock mechanics testing methods and ideally Acoustic Emission recording and data processing. However, all training will be provided.

A drive to succeed, strong communication and organizational skills and experience working as part of a team would be valuable within this position. The post provides an excellent opportunity for personal and career development.

Informal enquiries are actively encouraged and can be made to Philip Benson at philip.benson@port.ac.uk

The University of Portsmouth believes this role is eligible for sponsorship with UKVI under the Skilled Worker Route visa, and meets the minimum salary requirements to obtain the minimum points requirement. 

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives 

To find out more and to apply, click on apply. 

It is the policy of the University to only accept applications submitted using the University’s application form.

All applications for this position will be processed and conducted in compliance with UK legislation relevant at that time.

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