Research Fellow in Geosolutions: Subsurface Imaging and Uncertainty for Georesources

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge?  Do you have an established background in geophysics and want to apply your skills to solve challenges using sustainable georesources?  Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive universities?

We are seeking a Research Fellow to fulfil a key role in our project to better understand how to build geophysical models of the subsurface which account for the uncertainty in current geophysical data, in order to assess the potential for sustainable energy production and resource use. You will be a key part of the Geosolutions Centre within the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds and work closely with Dr Andy Nowacki.

You will research, use and build on existing methods to take data about the subsurface (seismic surveys, borehole data, geological mapping and other data) and produce estimates of the physical properties of the subsurface, and crucially, the associated uncertainty on those estimates. Initially, you will focus on geothermal resources in Utah (the FORGE site) and Ethiopia (Aluto and Corbetti) using existing seismic data. Next you will incorporate magnetotelluric and other data and appraising different and new approaches to properly testing hypotheses of subsurface processes. You will be responsible for leading the development of the approach, which could include transferring learning from other geographic regions and data types, machine learning methods, Bayesian inference and interrogation theory. The post may involve travel to Utah and Italy in support of your work and attendance at international conferences, such as the World Geothermal Congress.

You will have a PhD, or be near to completing a PhD, in geophysics, geostatistics, physics, applied mathematics or a similar discipline with a strong background in data analysis or imaging as applied to the Earth. You will also have the ability to conduct independent research and evidence of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

If you are looking for the chance to apply your skills to better understand the subsurface and help its sustainable use, then apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Andy Nowacki

Email: a.nowacki@leeds.ac.uk

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