Research Associate

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2028

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

• To complete fieldwork relating to high-frequency sensor and low-cost sensor deployment
• Working on large time series data for trend analysis related to hot spots and moments
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids and manuscripts
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Supporting other members of the research team

Main Duties

• Maintenance and data quality assurance from sensor network
• Use of analytical software for time series data analysis
• Collation of existing hydrological datasets
• Related lab work
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area 
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• 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
• Experience using in-situ water sensors, their maintenance and calibration
• Experience in lab-based techniques for physical parameter measurements (Fluorescence, TOC/TN)
• Ability to clean high-frequency data and create graphical plots
• Desirable - experience with R-Shiny to create apps
• Demonstrable technical knowledge of/experience in analysis of high-frequency data

Informal enquiries can be made 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

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 04/03/2025

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