Assistant or Associate Professor (Research and Education) in Water Science - School of Geograph[...]

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor in Water Science to enhance their portfolio of water-related research. Candidates should have a PhD, postdoctoral experience, and a track record in teaching. Responsibilities include delivering lectures, supervising students, and conducting innovative research. The role involves collaboration across various interdisciplinary platforms, contributing to the academic community, and obtaining research funding. Applications from diverse candidates are encouraged.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities

Qualifications

• Evidence of a developing track record in publishing work of high academic quality and impact.
• Commitment to delivering excellent, inclusive teaching and learning.
• Postdoctoral experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Give lectures and seminars, supervising undergraduate/post-graduate students.
• Carry out innovative research and publish papers.
• Obtain research grant funding.

Skills

Hydrological processes

Freshwater biogeochemistry

Ecohydrology

Hydroinformatics

Earth observation

Teaching at higher education

Education

PhD in a relevant specialist subject area

Job description

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Grade 8 Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606

Grade 9 Full time starting salary is normally in the range £58,225 to £67,468 with potential progression once in post to £87,974

Grade:8 or 9

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 1st February 2026

Academic Development Programme - new Assistant Professors will undertake a 5-year development programme, at the end of which they are expected to be promoted to Associate Professor. The programme consists of a variety of development opportunities and the time to reflect and develop.

Background

We are seeking to appoint an Assistant or Associate Professor in Water Science in the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (GEES) at the University of Birmingham. Their expertise should address how freshwater and catchment systems respond to climate change, extreme events, human pressures, and/or environmental transitions. The post will strengthen our portfolio of water-related research across the School - ranging from catchment hydrology, river processes and water quality, to aquatic ecosystems, hazards, and water-society interactions.

The role is advertised as a three-legged contract with excellence in research, education and administration all expected, with candidates able to demonstrate a commitment to teaching and school service. We welcome applications from candidates undertaking innovative and impactful research across the physical, environmental, and interdisciplinary dimensions of water science, including but not limited to:

• Hydrological processes, extremes, and human–water interactions
• Freshwater biogeochemistry, water quality, emerging pollutants, and ecosystem responses
• Ecohydrology, land–water connectivity, water-cryosphere, and climate– aquatic ecosystem feedbacks
• Hydroinformatics (including novel AI), data assimilation, uncertainty analysis, and reflective approaches to model design and evaluation
• Hydrological processes linking water, disease, and health
• Earth observation and spatial analysis for monitoring, mapping, and diagnosing change to hydrological processes across scales.

Evidence of a developing track record in publishing work of high academic quality and impact is essential, as is an emerging portfolio (or clear potential) of external research funding. Applicants must have a commitment to delivering excellent, inclusive teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Teaching may include a range of contributions, notably within our physical geography and environmental science programmes. Applicants are also expected to have a commitment to postgraduate research supervision. Successful candidates will participate in School activities and take on administrative responsibilities appropriate to their appointment.

There are significant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across campus, particularly via the Birmingham Institute for Forest Research (BIFoR), the Environmental Change Outdoor Laboratory (ECOLAB), the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA) and the Institute for Data and AI (IDAI), as well as through global partnerships in Brazil, China, India, North America.

Role Summary

The role holder will be based in Edgbaston. The key duties and responsibilities will include but not be limited to: giving lectures and seminars and supervising undergraduate / post-graduate students, course development and innovation, taking an active part in examinations, carrying out innovative research and writing papers on topics relevant to the specialist subject area (this will include journals, books and other material), and obtaining research grant funding.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in a relevant specialist subject area, as well as postdoctoral experience. We are looking for candidates who will actively contribute to our portfolio and community, through pursuit of research that will bring new opportunities, synergies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will also have a track record in teaching at a higher education institution.

Appointments will be made at either an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level please specify which role you are applying for in the application.

To download the full job description please click here: Grade 8 Grade 9

Informal enquiries to Josh Larsen, email: [e-mail]

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.