Research Fellow in Applied Observational Oceanography – Bangor University

Research Fellow in Applied Observational Oceanography – Bangor University

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow 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.

This 41 month fixed term post is based in the School of Ocean Sciences and duties will include: managing the operation of a suite of real-time observational data platforms collecting hydro- and sediment dynamics data; the analysis of data to address contemporary scientific questions pertaining to the fluxes of momentum and materials; and the publication of findings at an international level. The post holder will also be expected to develop research proposals relating to coastal ocean processes.

Candidates should be educated to PhD standard (or equivalent) in an area of physical science e.g. oceanography, physics, engineering and have previous experience of actively using and managing the operation of electronic instrumentation to collect oceanographic data. Candidates should have a strong track record of publication in peer reviewed journals and the development of grant applications.

The candidate will also be expected to work within a multidisciplinary team to facilitate the further development of the cyberinfrastructure between real-time sensor networks and data applications.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence 01 November 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter and the post is available until 30th March 2023.

The Project

The Smart Efficient Energy Centre (SEEC) is a £7M European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project administered through the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO). The key objective of SEEC is to increase the success of Bangor University in attracting competitive and private research funding in low carbon energy research, thereby enhancing specialist research capacity.

SEEC is an interdisciplinary data, modelling, and knowledge resource that utilises a new cyberinfrastructure to develop new smart sensor networks, data design and control, 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).

Purpose of the Job

To manage the operation and data analysis of real-time in-situ and remote sensing marine observational instrumentation at sites suitable for ocean renewable (wave and tidal) and offshore wind energy exploitation, and facilitate the ingest of data to the iMarDIS data and information system.

The post holder will be responsible for planning, conducting, and analysing a series of on-going field-based studies focusing on the hydro- and sediment dynamics in shallow tidally energetic and wave exposed waters. They will be expected to conduct data analysis and facilitate the assimilation of observational data into numerical models and to improve on model implementation. They will be expected to publish and present high impact findings at an international level. As this is Grade 8 position, the post holder will be expected to lead the development of grant applications, and to perform management duties in relation to the project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage the existing network of real-time observational wave, current and benthic data buoy systems operated by the School of Ocean Sciences.
• Collect and analyse oceanographic data to address the scientific challenges faced by the marine renewable energy sector.
• Work with fellow scientists to assimilate observational data to improve the performance of numerical ocean models.
• Work with the interdisciplinary research team to develop the shared cloud-based infrastructure between the real-time sensor network and the methodologies and tools for assessing, analysing, monitoring and forecasting the state of the natural and man-made environments.
• Delivering research outcomes through relevant international scientific peer-review publications and conferences.
• Lead the development of research grant applications to attract further research funding.
• Administration of the research project. Participate in project meetings, coordinate observational aspects of the project to meet aims and objectives and liaise with stakeholders (external and internal).
• As this is a grade 8 position, you will be expected to undertake various management and leadership roles in relation to the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

• Educated to PhD standard (or equivalent) in an area of physical science e.g. oceanography, physics and Engineering.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

• Experience of actively using and managing the operation of electronic instrumentation (e.g. ADCPs, ADVs, CTDs) to collect oceanographic data.
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Evidence of submitting or active participation in the development of research grant applications.

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Demonstrably numerate and able to work with large datasets using a range of programming languages (e.g. FORTRAN, MATLAB, Python, R, etc).
• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.

Other

Essential

• Ability to work flexibly to tight deadlines and on occasions at unsociable hours to mitigate the operational limitations of work within the marine environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and region and the ensuing responsibilities.