Research Associate - Hydrological Modeller

Research Associate

Hydrological Modeller

Based in Wallingford

Salary: £19,740 – £23,390 

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the UK’s Centre of Excellence for research in the terrestrial and freshwater environmental sciences.

The NERC Research Associates' Programme is an initiative which is intended to offer individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience of working within a Research Institute, whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills that will be valuable in a range of careers.

We offer a prestigious Research Associate training programme to develop skilled UK/EU scientists for the future of European environmental research.  The 3-year training programme offers you the opportunity to gain practical experience of working within our active research projects whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills valuable for your future career.  Each Research Associate will deliver specific, measurable objectives intended to develop their skills as a researcher and to demonstrate their suitability for a research career. 

 Description of specific work to be undertaken and skills to be gained 

The purpose of the role is the development and application of grid-based hydrological and water demand models at a range of geographical scales (national, regional and global) to inform estimates of future water security.  

One of the main objectives will be the use of novel approaches in the development of a protocol for a better representation of sectoral water demands (that is, primarily, drinking water, environmental flow requirements, manufacturing/energy, agriculture) in order to better assess the impacts of future water resources changes.  Specifically you will work on issues such as: 

• How to improve estimation of current and future water demand and water abstraction from both surface water and groundwater sources.
• How to quantify the uncertainty in the water demand estimates and the sensitivity of individual model parameters.
• How to assess the current and future impacts of limited availability on each water use sector (people, food, industry, energy and environment).
• How to develop protocols to better allocate available water resources between multiple and competing water users. 

Skills required on appointment 

• Successful candidates will already have a degree in a numerate science and some relevant post-graduate experience (either work experience or a higher degree).
• Some experience of a higher programming language (e.g. FORTRAN or C) is also essential. Some knowledge of hydrology would be desirable.
• Useful skills include experience of working with Unix, GIS packages and programming in FORTRAN specifically.
• You will need to demonstrate a well organised, practical and enthusiastic approach to working within a team and a proactive approach spotting and solving problems. 

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc118613_3823.aspx  and upload your CV with covering letter.  Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003, please quote reference number IRC118613. 

Closing Date: 29 November  2013
Interview Date: 13 January 2014