Research Fellow (Changes in mountain hydrology & water resources) - College of Life and Environmental Sciences - 103691 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full Time, 2 year Fixed Term contract.

Closing date: 16th April 2024 

UK and global travel will be required for this role 

Background

We seek to appoint a talented and highly motivated individual to join the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, UK. This person will contribute to the creation of new knowledge by undertaking collaborative research in the fields of mountain catchment hydrology and water resources as well as environmental observation and modelling. This exciting role is part of the team for the ambitious UKRI/NERC-funded Highlight Topic project -The Big Thaw  - that aims to assess past, present and future changes in global mountain water resources by studying snow/ice accumulation and melt in the European Alps, Himalayas and other mountain regions.

The magnitude and timing of river flow from glacierized catchments is determined by the aggregate response of the different (snow, ice, non-cryospheric) water stores present in the watershed, and their input-storage-release characteristics. These hydrological processes can vary strongly in space and time. The successful candidate will develop and apply methods to quantify these hydrological dynamics and processes using new and improved estimates of (a) river discharge/ water level based on novel technologies and (b) water source contributions based on hydrochemistry/ isotope tracers . Together, these new data will be used to calibrate hydrological models and advance the mechanistic understanding of mountain watersheds –including response to environmental change now and into the future. 

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork at mountain sites for hydrological monitoring (including the installation and maintenance of low-cost sensor networks) and water sampling (for natural tracers). The PDRA will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers and will be based at the University of Birmingham.

The successful candidate will have a strong publication record and both the technical and quantitative skills to deliver innovative science contributing to our project goals. The appointee will be expected to liaise with project investigators and partners, contribute to fieldwork, analyse field data (including tracers hydrology and other space-time observations) and produce peer-reviewed journal publications along with selected research impact activities; demonstrating strong initiative and excellent teamwork skills . 

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the University of Birmingham’s dynamic research community. We are looking for dedicated individuals who embody the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and are eager to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise. 

Summary of Role

• To work within the specified research grant and contribute to project activities with input from Professor David Hannah .
• Collaborate with the wider project team for The Big Thaw.
• Operate within area of specialism: hydrology, field observations, environmental tracers.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some (but not all) of those listed below:

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods: scientific experimentation, literature reviews etc.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication in international journals and other outlets.
• Support delivery of research impact generation and tracking.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods. 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in an area of numerate (geo)sciences (Geophysics, Earth Science, Physical Geography, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science) and normally a higher degree relevant to the research area. 
• High-level analytical and numerical capability. 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Planning and Organisation

• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project with input from Professor David Hannah. 
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.

Decision Making

• Decide in consultation with Professor David Hannah as appropriate, on the most appropriate way of undertaking the specified research activities.
• Decide in consultation Professor David Hannah as appropriate how to analyse and interpret the data from the specified research activities.
• Decide in consultation with Professor David Hannah as appropriate what knowledge to draw on and how to apply it to develop new intellectual understanding.
• Decide in collaboration with Professor David Hannah which aspects of the research findings to include in a presentation or a publication and how to convey the findings

Internal / External Relationships

• Liaise with research staff and support staff on research-related matters with input from Professor David Hannah.
• Liaise with external collaborators on the research, where appropriate and with input from Professor David Hannah.
• Give presentations and/or contribute to presentations at national and/or international conferences.
• Referee articles for peer-reviewed academic journals
• Maintain contact with (including membership of) appropriate professional bodies.
• Liaise with the relevant external research community.

Informal enquires to Professor David Hannah, email:

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy . You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone  on our website .