Research Associate in Seismic Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual leave

Generous pensions scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Development and wellbeing programs

Retail discounts

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Research Associate in Seismic Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment to join a project on improving seismic safety in Uganda. The role involves data analysis, model development and collaboration with international teams in a hybrid work setting.

You will use OpenQuake and GIS tools, develop vulnerability curves and perform risk calculations while contributing to scholarly outputs and project documentation.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Earthquake Engineering or related field.
• Strong knowledge of probabilistic seismic hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment methods.
• Experience with OpenQuake and GIS for seismic risk modelling.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research on seismic hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment.
• Develop and map data in GIS and build vulnerability/fragility curves.
• Create high-fidelity FE models and perform analyses.
• Collaborate with Uganda project partners and coordinate activities; travel may be required.
• Prepare project reports, papers and outreach materials for dissemination.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Project coordination

Research synthesis

Education

PhD in Earthquake Engineering or closely related field

Tools

OpenQuake

GIS

FEA software

Job description

Research Associate in Seismic Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Job Title: Research Associate in Seismic Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Posting Start Date: 29/10/2026 Job Id: 3360 School/Department: Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid) Contract Type: Fixed-term Salary per annum (£): 39,560.00 - 48,337.00 Closing Date: 26/11/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are recruiting for a dedicated Research Associate on a EPSRC project which aims to improve seismic safety and resilience of communities living in Uganda. This project provides a unique opportunity and platform to contribute to research and development of seismic hazard, vulnerability and exposure models to understand risk in Uganda and enhance the resilience of the country against earthquakes.

You will take an active role in analysing, categorising and documenting the collected data, developing of vulnerability/fragility curves using numerical methods, implementing exposure models, performing risk calculations and developing seismic risk management strategies by closely working with academic research teams in Uganda.

The candidate for the post should hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in any relevant area of Earthquake Engineering and should have a strong knowledge of probabilistic seismic hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment methods. The Research Associate will join an internationally renowned research group in Earthquake Engineering at CSE and will contribute to CSE's reputation as the leading department in Structural Engineering.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, coordinate and perform research on earthquake hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment using OpenQuake software and develop earthquake management strategies to enhance the seismic disaster resilience of Uganda.
• Analyse, categorise and document collected seismological, geological, tectonic and built environment data and model and map the data in GIS environment.
• Develop high-fidelity Finite Element (FE) models of structures and structural elements and perform FE analyses on these models.
• Continuously monitor and check results.
• Collaborate with the project partners in Uganda and other involved parties to progress the project tasks and contribute actively in the management and coordination of the project activities; this role may require travel to Uganda.
• Communicate the project findings to project stakeholders, perform administrative work for the project (general organisation and supervision of research team/activities, etc.) and contribute to the development of documentation and outreach materials (writing minutes and project reports, etc.).
• Plan and prepare papers for journals/presentations at national/international conferences to disseminate research findings.
• Read academic papers and textbooks, and attend conferences, to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the research group, such as project reports and grant applications.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s)