Research Fellow in Hydrological Modelling and Data Assimilation

We are seeking applications for two Research Fellows to join a NERC-funded project "Understanding the spatio-temporal variability of soil moisture and its feedbacks across scales," led by Professor Justin Sheffield. This project aims to transform our understanding of soil moisture (SM) variability and its interactions with land-atmosphere processes. The project will use cutting-edge modelling, data assimilation, and multiple data sources to address two key research questions about water-energy interactions at biophysical scales:

• What are the scales of SM variability across different landscapes and their drivers, and how do these intersect to create wet and dry extremes?
• How can improved representation of SM variability at process scales enhance monitoring and prediction, benefitting SM-dependent applications?

The postholders will be responsible for:

• Developing high-resolution regional and global SM datasets using hydrological modelling and data assimilation, including their validation.
• Analyzing these datasets to quantify and understand SM variability across scales and its implications for various applications.

You will have opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders, exploring how these approaches can improve decision-making in water resources and responses to hydrological hazards. We expect you to disseminate your research through conferences and publications. The specific division of work between the two positions will depend on the skills and experience of the successful candidates.

This position is based in the School of Geography and Environmental Science. You will engage with project partners both in the UK and internationally, joining a supportive group of researchers within the wider research group, the School, and across the University of Southampton.

To succeed, you will need a PhD (or be close to completing one) with strong quantitative and computational skills in high-performance computing environments. Your expertise should be in one or more of the following areas: hydrological modelling, satellite data assimilation, multivariate statistics, and machine learning.

Prior experience with model and satellite products for mapping and understanding SM-dependent hazards (like floods, droughts, landslides, wildfires) and their application to sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, disaster risk mapping, and ecosystem services would be beneficial. Experience working with stakeholders or a desire to gain this experience is also a plus. You should be capable of planning and organizing work both independently and as part of a team and have the ability to prepare research presentations and papers for peer-reviewed publication.

The posts are full-time fixed term until 30 June 2028 with the possibility of an extension, subject to funding. 

The School of Geography and Environmental Science is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly encourage applications from candidates belonging to groups who are under-represented within academic posts at the University. The School is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies, flexi-time and flexible working. We are a Disability Confident employer and the School holds a bronze Athena SWAN award. 

 Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Justin Sheffield justin.sheffield@soton.ac.uk

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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