Drought Analyst and Modeller

Drought Analyst and Modeller

Based in Wallingford, Band 6

Salary £26,715 - £30,000

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed hydrologist to join the CEH Hydrological Status and Reporting Group, to develop and support scientific research on drought and to become a recognised drought expert at CEH, nationally and internationally.

You will contribute to a range of science initiatives, including the strategic development of analysis and modelling tools to support drought research across CEH, as well as emerging research projects focused on drought. In the first instance, this will include two high profile Research Council UK funded projects on historical droughts and the seasonal forecasting of drought in the UK.  

Specific responsibilities and activities:

• Undertake hydrological modeling of drought in the UK, including calibration and assessment of a number of hydrological models.
• Assess the ability of different approaches for forecasting UK drought at seasonal to decadal lead times.
• Reconstruct historical drought time series using hydrological models.
• Develop methods and computer codes to derive hydrological and meteorological drought indices in order to quantify the severity, drivers and impacts of historical droughts in the UK.
• Ensure good management of large datasets and computer codes.
• Contribute and to technical reports and scientific papers, including taking a lead role where appropriate.

Skills and qualification required:

• PhD in a relevant research area or a Masters degree in earth/environmental sciences, geography, statistics or mathematics, alongside some experience in hydrological science.
• Excellent numeracy skills.
• Good knowledge of programming language, preferably Python, R or Fortran.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team, good organizational skills, able to deliver under tight deadlines, good communication skills.
• Knowledge and proven skills in drought research and/or hydrological modeling would be advantageous

Closing date: 20^th May 2014

Interview date: 20^th June 2014

Hours: Full time – 37 hours

This is a permanent position

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Business Services; for further information about the role and to apply, please visit our website at http://topcareer.jobs/ quoting reference number IRC140473.  If you are unable to apply online please contact us by telephone on 00 44 (0) 1793 867000.