Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Two new full time posts are available from 1 September 2023 on a fixed term basis until 31 August 2026.

Summary of the role
The Faculty wishes to recruit two roles, at Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow level, to work with Dr James Hickey on the “DV3M” project (Deforming Volcanoes with dynamic Magma-Mush Models). These NERC funded posts are available from 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2026, and will form two newly-recruited postdoctoral research roles at the University of Exeter for the DV3M project.

The DV3M project aims to resolve the impact of porous magma-mush reservoirs on volcano deformation and reservoir stability. The successful applicant will develop, verify, test, and apply new Finite-Element based models of volcano deformation that couple poroelastic fluid dynamics with solid mechanics, alongside project PI James Hickey. Working with Co-I’s Fabian Wadsworth (Durham) and Brendan McCormick Kilbride (Manchester) they will incorporate the influence of micro-mechanical fracture mechanics and magma-mush properties and/or the role of volatiles, respectively. They will be involved in liaising with and visiting project partners at the University of Leeds, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, and the Sakurajima Volcano Research Centre, to acquire and assimilate satellite and ground-based monitoring data at target volcanoes Sakurajima (Japan) and Soufrière Hills (Montserrat).

The post will include working towards the modelling objectives of the DV3M project, overseas travel to project partners, writing papers for research journals, and presenting project results at national and international conferences.

About you
The successful applicant will be able to: develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds; and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion for PDRA role) or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in volcanology/geophysics (or other relevant field) and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will ideally be able to: conduct numerical/analytical modelling of volcano deformation (or other related geophysical phenomena); and/or work with satellite and/or ground-based geophysical volcano monitoring data; and display familiarity with the wider importance of the proposed work. However, all training can be provided.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further information

Please contact Dr James Hickey by e-mail at j.hickey@exeter.ac.uk.

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