Junior Researcher (Doctoral Candidate)

Junior Researcher (Doctoral Candidate)

Ref:2023_13

Salary: £36,386-£43,626 (in accordance with the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie-Actions financial guidelines for this scheme)

Duration: 36-month fixed-term contract

HR Wallingford have an exciting opening for a Junior Researcher (Doctoral Candidate) to join the SEDIMARE Doctoral Network consortium. The successful candidate will be based in the Coasts and Oceans Group in Wallingford and enrolled for a fee-free PhD at the UK Open University researching a multi-model approach to scour in dynamic areas. The position includes secondment opportunities to the University of Nottingham, UK and the University of Patras, Greece. The successful candidate will work on the development of an accurate integrated scour dynamics tool.

The SEDIMARE Doctoral Network consortium will provide a training-through-research program to 12 Doctoral Award/PhD Candidates across Europe and the UK in complex sediment transport processes involving sand-mud mixtures, mixed-size sands, granular-fluid mixtures; coupling between hydrodynamics (waves, storm surges, and tides), sediment transport, morphological changes, and engineering solutions to issues related to erosion/sedimentation with emphasis on sustainability and resilience. The research methods include effective process-based engineering modelling, advanced numerical simulations, and innovative experiments.

This project aims to combine different model approaches (Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), St-Venant and empirical) to provide an accurate integrated scour dynamics tool, that can be applied in morphologically active locations and includes the interactions between scour around coastal structures and the wider morphodynamics.

Taking the strength of the 3 approaches, the turbulence modelling of the CFD, the sand transport predictions of the St Venant models and the grounding in reality of the empirical models, cutting-edge improvements can be achieved on the individual approaches.

You will be responsible for conducting research on sediment transport and scour processes, and the coupling between hydrodynamics and sediment transport to predict large scale morphological changes. You will develop and implement effective process-based engineering models and run advanced numerical simulations to better understand these complex processes. You will collaborate with other members of the SEDIMARE Doctoral Network . As part of your role, you will attend and present at national and international conferences and workshops and write and submit scientific articles for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

• Hold a primary degree or masters in civil / mechanical / maritime engineering, physical oceanography, physics, applied mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researcher eligibility criteria. Further information can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2016_2017/main/h2020-wp1617-msca_en.pdf.
• At the time of appointment, have less than four years full-time equivalent research experience and must not have already obtained a PhD.
• Have not resided in the UK (recruiting host country) for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the appointment.
• Have a strong interest in sediment transport processes, hydrodynamics, and morphodynamics.
• Strong scientific computing skills are required. Experience with OpenFoam and/or openTELEMAC preferred. Be able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Be able to travel to other institutions within the SEDIMARE Doctoral Network consortium.

Please note: the language of MSCA is English and candidates must have evidenced proficiency in English to meet HR Wallingford’s requirements.

Benefits

• Attractive salary in accordance with MSCA regulations for Doctoral Candidates, including living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance (if applicable).
• Enrolment for a fee-free PhD at the UK Open University.
• Secondment opportunities to the University of Nottingham, UK and the University of Patras, Greece
• Opportunities to collaborate with international experts in the field of sediment transport and morphodynamics in marine and coastal waters with engineering solutions.
• Opportunities to attend and present at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Funded PhD for the period of employment, with options for further financial support.

Application Process:

• Application must be made via the HR Wallingford careers page: www.hrwallingford.com/careers/uniorResearcherCoastalModelling
• The application must include a CV, a cover letter, and the names and contact information of at least two referees. Applications that do not adhere to these requirements will not be considered.
• The application deadline is May 31st, 2023, 23:59 GMT. Late applications will not be considered.

Informal queries may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., but please do not send applications directly to this email address.