Postdoctoral Research Associate

This part-time (0.5 FTE) post is available immediately on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2023 to cover for maternity leave. This post is based in the Department of Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Streatham Campus. The role may also be extended, subject to confirmation of funding.

The post

The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop impact and undertake applied research within the fields of GIS, hydrology, water quality and catchment management.

The successful applicant will participate in two projects related to South West Water’s award-winning Upstream Thinking catchment management programme. The first part of the post, which is impact-focused, will be working on the SWEEP (South West Partnership for Environmental and Economic Prosperity) ‘Whole Catchment’ project. This will involve developing an existing online, GIS-based portal that is currently designed for the recording of Upstream Thinking catchment interventions, into a decision support tool that will assist project partners in the spatial targeting of catchment interventions for greater environmental benefit. The second part of the post will involve working with a team of academics undertaking research designed to inform and monitor the Upstream Thinking programme. You will undertake research activities to support the project objectives. These may include data analysis, such as processing and analysing spatial and temporal environmental datasets (e.g. water quality data), mapping and/or environmental modelling.

This opportunity is a 50% role for 1 year in the first instance. Subject to performance, the role may be extended both for longer duration (up to an additional 2 years) and up to full-time if desirable.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. You will also be able to work collaboratively with academic colleagues, as well as key stakeholders from the third sector and industry.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Applicants will have good knowledge of GIS, hydrology, water quality and catchment management.

You will be able to construct and operate a high-level GIS database at a regional scale and collate, analyse and visualise complex environmental data, such as datasets describing catchment and reservoir processes, water quality, topography and habitats.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Exeter is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City. In 2019, Devon was voted as having the best quality of life of anywhere in England and Wales, making it a popular choice for both work and study.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at Exeter

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Since 2019, the university has also signed an Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating the University’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof Richard Brazier, e-mail R.E.Brazier@exeter.ac.uk

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