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| Title | Climate Impacts Modeller |
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| Description |
Forest Research (FR) is the research agency of the Forestry Commission, and a world leader in applied forest science and a trusted and recognised provider of expertise, data, products and services for governments and the tree, wood, forest and natural resource sectors. Please explore www.forestresearch.gov.uk to find out more information about our organisation.
The post holder will be a member of the Climate Science Research Group, within the Centre for Sustainable Forestry & Climate Change (CSF&CC) – one of three thematic research centres within Forest Research. CSF&CC focuses strongly on applied interdisciplinary research, to provide evidence to underpin sustainable management of Britain’s trees, woods and forests. The Climate Change Research Group (CCRG) develops scientific understanding and synthesises research into practical advice relating to the management and use of trees and forests in adaptation and mitigation of climate change and the impacts of climate on forest function. The research underpins efforts to reduce risk and improve resilience of the UK forestry sector. The team comprises fourteen staff in science and technical roles. CCRG researchers focus on assessing resilience and understanding GHG balance of forest systems with two broad thematic work areas: 1) climate mitigation and 2) climate adaptation. The group publishes widely in a range of high impact forest science, environmental and policy related journals. The group is actively involved in NERC funded science and training of new scientists via PhD’s. The group is seeking to appoint, on a fixed term basis, a climate impacts modeller to undertake and support the group's research on the resilience of commercial forestry species to future climate change. There will be a focus on applied research and modelling with an expectation to lead on modelling forest response to drought. Job descriptionThe role will focus on modelling tree growth and forest function in response to climate. The successful applicant will therefore be proficient in R or similar statistical / modelling packages with experience of handling, analysing and classifying environmental datasets (e.g. tree growth data, historic Met Office data and UKCP18 projections). They will be expected to develop process-based modelling capabilities, code and carefully handle and archive data.
The successful applicant will be expected to work both as part of a team and independently. Some liaison with external scientists and policy knowledge exchange will be required The successful applicant will be required to: • Develop and improve an existing process-based forest model (3PG). • Develop R procedures for data analysis and synthesis, model improvement and statistical error (Bayesian framework) approaches, to underpin probabilistic risk analysis. • Manage, share and archive code and data responsibly for quality assurance purposes and to facilitate research collaboration. • Work with colleagues to support the development of novel spatial landscape decision making tools. • Contribute to the production of written reports to research funders and peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with colleagues and project partners. • Liaise with colleagues to develop realistic work schedules; carefully plan and monitor time allocation across projects. • Keep up to date with major developments in the field of forest modelling, and spatial data integration. ResponsibilitiesEssential Criteria- Proficient R user - A 2,1 (honours) degree in environmental, engineering, or mathematical science. - A good working knowledge and proven track record of mechanistic modelling - Competent user of large datasets, both vector and raster data. - They will need to demonstrate excellent organisational, data handling and record keeping skills. - Applicants should demonstrate (2-3 years) relevant experience, ideally in modelling in research environment. Desirable Criteria - A higher degree (MSc, MRes, MPhil, PhD) in an environmental, engineering or mathematical science. - Direct experience in forest science would be advantageous. BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
BenefitsBenefits• Access to learning and development tailored to your role
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options • A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity • A civil service pension • 25 days annual leave per year rising to 30 days annual leave after 5 years service. Plus 10.5 days public and additional holidays. Further information on the benefits of working for Forest Research can be found here: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/about-us/careers/ Things you need to knowSecuritySuccessful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Coronavirus
We are closely monitoring the situation with regard to Coronavirus, and will be following central Government advice as it is issued. Please continue to follow the application process as normal and ensure that you check your emails regularly for any updates from us as this is how we will communicate with you. Sift and Interviews Sifting will take place on w/c 29th June 2020 Interviews are planned to take place on 7th July 2020. You will be required to do a 5 minute presentation as part of the interview. Based on the current COVID-19 situation we are anticipating conducting online interviews with the use of Microsoft Teams/SKYPE or equivalent online communication method. Candidates would therefore require access to a computer and internet at interview stage. However, alternative communication methods would be made if this was not possible, we ask that candidates notify us in advance if this is a requirement. If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Managing A Quality Service. However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all behaviours at the interview stage. This is a Fixed Term Appointment for 2 years with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. |