Research Fellow in Applied Observational Oceanography – Bangor University

MPOWIR Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention; Bangor; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is seeking a Research Fellow in Applied Observational Oceanography to conduct research into coastal ocean processes. The successful candidate will manage observational systems and collaborate with stakeholders. Requirements include a PhD in physical science and experience with oceanographic data. This fixed-term position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to ocean renewable energy research.

Qualifications

• Experience in using and managing electronic instrumentation to collect oceanographic data.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in developing research grant applications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage observational data buoy systems for ocean sciences.
• Operate marine observational instrumentation and collect data.
• Publish scientific findings and present results at conferences.
• Develop research proposals and lead grant applications.

Skills

Programming in FORTRAN

Programming in MATLAB

Programming in Python

Programming in R

Data analysis

Analytical capabilities

Education

PhD or equivalent in physical science

Tools

Electronic instrumentation

X-Band radar systems

HF-radar systems

Job description

Overview

Research Fellow in Applied Observational Oceanography – Bangor University. A 41 month fixed term post based in the School of Ocean Sciences to undertake observational research into coastal ocean processes at shallow tidally energetic and wave exposed sites around Wales, UK, to support ocean renewable and offshore wind energy exploitation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage a network of real-time observational wave, current and benthic data buoy systems operated by the School of Ocean Sciences.
• Operate and oversee real-time and remote sensing marine observational instrumentation; collect hydro- and sediment dynamics data.
• Analyse data to address scientific questions relating to fluxes of momentum and materials; assimilate observational data into numerical models and improve model implementations.
• Publish findings at an international level and present high-impact results at conferences.
• Develop research proposals and lead grant applications related to coastal ocean processes; contribute to project administration and leadership activities (Grade 8).
• Work within a multidisciplinary team to facilitate cyberinfrastructure linking real-time sensor networks with data applications, and develop cloud-based infrastructure between sensor networks and data methodologies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders (external and internal) and participate in project meetings; liaise with partners to meet aims and objectives.

Project Context

The project includes the Smart Efficient Energy Centre (SEEC), a £7M ERDF-funded initiative administered through WEFO, aimed at increasing Bangor University’s success in attracting competitive and private research funding in low carbon energy research and enhancing specialist research capacity. SEEC focuses on data, modelling, and knowledge resources to develop smart sensor networks and diagnostic/prognostic models to reduce engineering uncertainties and increase resource efficiencies in low carbon electricity generation (nuclear, ocean renewable, offshore wind) and utilisation (building materials and structures).

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: PhD standard (or equivalent) in an area of physical science such as oceanography, physics or engineering; experience in actively using and managing electronic instrumentation to collect oceanographic data; strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals; experience in developing research grant applications.
• Desirable: Experience at sea aboard research vessels; interdisciplinary collaboration experience; understanding of cloud-based frameworks; track record of grant capture; experience with X-Band or HF-radar systems.

Skills and Abilities

• Numerate and able to work with large datasets using programming languages (e.g. FORTRAN, MATLAB, Python, R).
• Strong analytical capabilities; ability to analyse numerical data and present results clearly.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines; flexible to operate in marine environments and travel as needed.

Other Information

• Commitment to equality policies, health and safety, and bilingual considerations as applicable to the institution and region.
• This is a fixed-term position; the successful candidate will commence as soon as possible and the end date will be specified in the appointment notice.