Postdoctoral Fellows in Statistical Ocean Acoustics (2 posts) – Grade 7

Hours of work: Full-time

Tenure: Fixed term for 2 years

The University of Liverpool is seeking to appoint two highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellows to undertake complementary, ambitious two-year research projects in Statistical Ocean Acoustics. The programme will develop a deeper understanding of how spatial and temporal variability, coherence and uncertainty in the ocean environment affect ambient noise and acoustic propagation, translating that understanding into new models, methods and software tools to support applications in maritime sensing, defence and national security.

The two research portfolios will be shaped with the successful candidates so that they are individually distinctive but mutually coherent. Depending on expertise, one Fellow may place greater emphasis on mathematical and physics-based modelling of multiscale ocean processes and acoustic propagation, while the other may place greater emphasis on statistical inference, signal processing, data-driven modelling and analysis of measured or simulated data. Both Fellows will work across these boundaries and collaborate closely. Prior experience in underwater acoustics is welcome but is not essential where applicants bring strong, transferable quantitative research skills.

The Fellows will be based in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in Liverpool's School of Physical Sciences, with active collaboration across Mathematical Sciences and Electrical Engineering and Electronics. The project will be led by Professor Daniel Colquitt, working with Professor Simon Maskell, Dr Stewart Haslinger and Professor Jason Ralph. The team brings together Liverpool’s strengths in wave propagation and scattering in complex media, mathematical modelling, Bayesian inference and information fusion, signal processing, tracking and the translation of research for defence and government partners.

The appointments offer an opportunity to develop an independent research profile within a supportive interdisciplinary team. Each Fellow will receive regular mentoring from the Liverpool supervisory team and support in planning their research, developing publications, and identifying and preparing suitable grant and fellowship applications. Depending on their interests and experience, the Fellows will also have opportunities to co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, contribute to the wider research community, and develop their teaching and research-leadership experience. Engagement with Dstl, project partners and relevant industry and government stakeholders will help the Fellows build external networks and understand the translation of research into maritime sensing, defence and national-security applications. The Fellows will participate in fortnightly technical meetings, quarterly project reviews and at least annual presentations, and will have access to the wider research communities of Liverpool’s Waves and Continuum Mechanics and Signal Processing groups.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 29 October 2026  23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above.

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