Research Fellow in Geothermal Seismology

University of Leeds (with scope for hybrid working). We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious geophysicist looking for an innovative research challenge? Would you like to apply seismic expertise to the exploration and development of urban geothermal resources? This could be the research position for you.

Funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), our SmartRes project (Smart assessment, management and optimsation of urban geothermal resources) advances our understanding of geothermal systems and ultimately aims to broaden their uptake for urban energy supply. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary project team, featuring engineers, hydrologists, numerical modellers and policy liaisons, you will contribute your expertise in seismic acquisition and analysis to the understanding of how geothermal systems evolve under realistic production scenarios.

Based in the University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment (SEE), and working closely with its School of Civil Engineering, you will use various seismic datasets – including data already recorded with fibre-optic distributed sensing systems and nodal seismometers – to understand two geothermal test sites in the UK. These include a site in Berkshire that considers the properties of a chalk aquifer, and the British Geological Survey's UKGEOS Cheshire site, a cutting-edge facility that explores the geothermal potential of the Sherwood Sandstone. 

You will liaise with the project team to integrate your seismic observations with hydrological and thermal models of aquifer evolution, and ultimately lead research papers and/or conference presentations that promote our conclusions to the broadest community of energy-invested parties. As a member of SEE, you will join a dynamic research climate, which also provides access to research expertise in our various institutes – for example, Geosolutions, water@leeds and energy@leeds centres.

Salary Requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa Route 

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/global-talent

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Adam Booth, Associate Professor of Applied Geophysics

Email: A.D.Booth@leeds.ac.uk

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