Research Associate in Glaciology

The role

We seek at research associate to plan and execute glaciological fieldwork and analyse data to validate runoff from land-terminating glaciers by seismically monitoring outlet rivers as part of ARIA funded project Greenland Runoff Monitoring from Passive Seismology (GRuMPS). You will benefit from the expertise and support of a team of academics and other postdoctoral researchers, led by Stephen Livingstone at Sheffield University. The position is based in Bristol, supervised by Liz Bagshaw. You will collaborate closely with additional colleagues at Sheffield (Andrew Sole), Aberystwyth (Sam Doyle), Grenoble (Florent Gimbert), and Asiaq Greenland Survey (Kirsty Langley and Dorthe Petersen), along with project partners in Cardiff (Mike Prior-Jones). 

What will you be doing?

The research associate will assist in the preparation of sensors and help plan and execute fieldwork in Greenland. You should have some glaciological field experience, including the assembly, programming, and calibration of hydrological sensors (or willingness to learn), and demonstrable abilities in environmental data processing. You will lead the experimental deployment of Cryoegg sensors into the subglacial drainage system, install and maintain a traditional discharge gauging station, and support the installation of seismic sensors as part of the wider project. You will process data from the Cryoegg sensors, and work with the wider team to analyse and compare the results with seismic data and modelled run-off.   

You should apply if

You are able to: 

• Achieve project milestones by conducting research in an appropriate timescale, including managing time, and working flexibly and independently.
• Carry out any necessary training in field safety and techniques that will be used in the project. These will include deployment of hydrological monitoring instrumentation and experimental deployment of novel wireless instruments, plus supporting the deployment of seismic equipment. 
• With help from the wider project team, help to organise multiple field campaigns to Greenland in 2026 and 2027. 
• Take a leading role in the field seasons, planning and coordinating experiments to monitorthe outlet rivers, the wider hydrological system and the ice dynamics, with support from the wider project team. This will require you to live and work in harsh and remote environments and to travel safely across a crevassed outlet glacier. 
• Analyse and integrate data from field seasons and combine with the findings from other project members
• Write up scientific papers and reports for the wider team and funders

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 18 months/01/08/2027 

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 09/02/2026

For informal queries, please contact: Liz Bagshaw, Associate Professor in Polar Environmental Change Email: Liz.Bagshaw@bristol.ac.uk 

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Advert information