Job Description
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 £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105
Grade: 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2028
Closing date: 4th March 2025
UK travel may be required for this role
Please note: We are advertising for both a Grade 6 Research Associate (104920) and a Grade 7 Research Fellow (104983), however there is only 1 post available.
Background
We are recruiting a Research Associate (Grade 6) for the SMARTWATER project (https://www.smart-water.org.uk/), a NERC Large grant involving multiple UK institutions and a US partner. The position will be split between maintaining water quality monitoring stations (including In-Situ, Proteus, TriOS and Xylem in-situ sensors) in our local catchments (travel required) and using data science approaches for analysis of high frequency datasets. The SMARTWATER project aims to use high-frequency sensing to diagnose locations of pollution hot spots and hot moments and assess their impact on water quality.
Role Summary
1. To complete fieldwork relating to high-frequency sensor and low-cost sensor deployment
2. Working on large time series data for trend analysis related to hot spots and moments
3. Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids and manuscripts
4. Operate within area of specialism
5. Analyse and interpret research findings and results
6. Supporting other members of the research team
Main Duties
1. Maintenance and data quality assurance from sensor network
2. Use of analytical software for time series data analysis
3. Collation of existing hydrological datasets
4. Related lab work
5. Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
6. Analyse research data as directed
7. Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
8. Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
9. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
10. Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
11. Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
12. Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Person Specification
1. Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
2. Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
3. Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
4. Ability to access and organise resources successfully
5. 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
6. Experience using in-situ water sensors, their maintenance and calibration
7. Experience in lab-based techniques for physical parameter measurements (Fluorescence, TOC/TN)
8. Ability to clean high-frequency data and create graphical plots
9. Desirable - experience with R-Shiny to create apps
10. Demonstrable technical knowledge of/experience in analysis of high-frequency data
Informal enquiries to Liam Kelleher - Project Coordinator, email: l.kelleher@bham.ac.uk, Stefan Krause - Project Lead, email: s.krause@bham.ac.uk, or Suman Hira - Project Administration, email: s.hira@bham.ac.uk
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.
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