Senior Research Associate in Sediment Flow Modelling

The role

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Associate (SRA) position to join a team of investigators working on the UKRI NERC-funded Pushing the Frontiers grant ‘Hazardous and extreme lahar-driven sediment fluxes: Addressing the gap between land and deep-sea (LAHAR2SEA)’. This project aims to characterise and model the sediment transport from high concentration lahars (volcanic debris flows) into the shallow marine environment, to calibrate and validate a new process-based model of offshore global sediment budget, and to anticipate impacts to marine ecosystems, undersea internet cables and fishery sites. We aim to develop a globally-applicable framework for assessing and mitigating lahar-related hazards with partners spanning subsea cable industry, fisheries, emergency management organisations and governments. 

What will you be doing?

As a Senior Research Associate in Sediment Flow Modelling you will extend an existing model of sediment flow dynamics on subaerial topography to create a new predictive model for submarine sediment flows and deposits, including developing and testing parameterisations of mixing between the sediment current and seawater. You will then use this model to conduct fundamental research on submarine sediment flows to predict submarine flow dynamics and near-shore sediment deposition from volcanic debris flows (lahars), and to assess the stability of sediment deposits to collapse into deeper marine environments. You will work closely with staff at Bristol and collaborators at National Oceanography Centre to test the model against small-scale laboratory experiments. You will also have the opportunity to work with project partners to assess the impacts to offshore infrastructure and ecosystems.  

You should apply if

You will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Fluid Dynamics, Physical Volcanology, Applied Mathematics or Physics, or other relevant subject. You will also have experience of independent research, the ability to develop, interpret and apply numerical models to interpret observations and behaviour of natural systems. You will have publications in respected journals or equivalent within the field and be able to work in a proactive and results-driven manner in a high paced environment. You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience and skills in adapting numerical model schemes, programming in numerical languages (e.g. Python, Matlab, Julia, Fortran, C++), and working with geophysical data and operational project partners would be advantageous.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 09/05/2028

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 24/06/2026

For informal queries please contact: Prof Jeremy Phillips (j.c.phillips@bristol.ac.uk), Prof Andrew Hogg (a.j.hogg@bristol.ac.uk)

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