Research Fellow

This is an exciting chance to play a central role in a cutting-edge, externally funded geoscience research project based at the University of Plymouth, located in the UK’s beautiful south west.

We are seeking a Research Fellow to undertake quantitative research in support of the NERC-funded project “SUPERSLUG: Deconstructing sediment superslugs as a legacy of extreme flows” (for more information, Google “NE/Z00022X/1”). The project seeks to reveal new fundamental insights into fluvial sediment transport behaviours following extreme sediment-rich flows, with an initial focus on landscape adjustments following the 7^th February 2021 “Chamoli disaster”, which caused extensive loss of life and damage to infrastructure along the flood path and produced large-scale geomorphological reworking of valley floor landscapes. The project is led by the University of Plymouth alongside collaborators from Newcastle University, the Universities of Exeter, Hull and Leeds, the Wadia Institute for Himalayan Geology, and the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

Core tasks that you will lead or support include: 1) the photogrammetric processing of imagery collected from drone platforms, enabling detailed, local-scale sedimentological analysis, followed by upscaling using satellite imagery to inform catchment-based observation, and 2) the development of an open-source toolkit for detecting and tracking fine-grained sediment superslugs leveraging cloud-based processing of free satellite imagery. You will lead and contribute to the production of peer-reviewed manuscripts and will have opportunities to disseminate your findings (and expand your network) by attending national and international conferences and workshops. There will be opportunity to participate in overseas fieldwork.

You will be based in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The School hosts an interdisciplinary team of world-class academics undertaking teaching and research focused on challenges including climate change, natural hazards, social justice, pollution, energy transitions and the sensitive development of natural resources. Staff and students work and study in the stunning landscape of south west England, which includes national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterful towns and cities, and a 650 mile-long coastline.

You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant subject, preferably with a strong quantitative grounding. A track record of working with remote sensing imagery obtained from low-altitude (e.g. drone) and/or satellite platforms is desirable, as is experience of using common programming languages to tackle geoscience-related problems.

In your supporting statement please demonstrate how you meet the essential (and if appropriate, desirable) criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport.

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Matt Westoby by email at matt.westoby@plymouth.ac.uk.

Interviews are likely to take place in the week commencing Monday 8^th July 2024.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 35 months due to funding.

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