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Job Post Details

Postdoctoral Research Officer in Freshwater Data Science

Bangor University
4.3 out of 5 stars
Bangor, Bangor
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Job details

Pay

  • £37,099 - £44,263 a year

Job type

  • Fixed term contract
  • Part-time
  • Full-time

Location

Bangor, Bangor

Benefits
Pulled from the full job description

  • Tech scheme

Full job description

Applications are invited for a fixed-term, full-time Postdoctoral Research Officer in Freshwater Data Science working in the School of Ocean Sciences on the 'Reconstructing freshwater histories: Leveraging high-resolution data and machine learning for sustainable water management' project.


The successful candidate will play a key role in the development and application of advanced machine learning models to reconstruct historical freshwater dynamics using high-resolution satellite imagery. This work will involve integrating historical datasets with modern observations to identify long-term trends, uncover patterns of vulnerability and resilience, and forecast future freshwater responses to intensifying climate and land-use stressors.


Candidates should be educated to PhD level (or be near completion) in a relevant subject e.g. Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Data Science, Limnology, Glaciology or related field, or be very near completion. The successful candidate will be experienced in machine learning and data science, have experience of working with large geospatial datasets from multiple sources and be proficient in programming languages such as Matlab/R/Python.


The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible, and the post is available for a duration of 2 years.


This role will be located on campus at Menai Bridge. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.


Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis.


Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.


Interested applicants are welcome to contact Dr Iestyn Woolway, Reader in the School of Ocean Sciences, email iestyn.woolway@bangor.ac.uk


Closing date for applications:


Committed To Equal Opportunities

Overview

The School of Ocean Sciences (SOS), located on the Isle of Anglesey, is a multidisciplinary department with a focus on freshwater and marine sciences and a strong history of international research excellence and collaboration. Core research interests include Earth System Sciences, Oceanography and Climate Change Science.


The Project

The 'Reconstructing freshwater histories: Leveraging high-resolution data and machine learning for sustainable water management' project tackles the pressing challenges posed by climate change and human activity on freshwater systems worldwide.


Freshwater ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, agriculture, industry, and drinking water, yet they face growing threats from rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These pressures are exacerbated by deforestation, urbanization, and overextraction of water resources, jeopardizing the sustainability of these essential systems.


The project focuses on reconstructing historical freshwater dynamics to better understand long-term trends and impacts. By combining high-resolution satellite imagery, advanced machine learning techniques, and historical data, this research aims to uncover how freshwater systems have responded to environmental and anthropogenic changes over time. These efforts will shed light on critical issues such as the impacts of intensifying droughts, floods, and heatwaves on freshwater ecosystems and the communities they support. This work will also identify patterns of vulnerability and resilience, offering actionable insights to policymakers and resource managers.

By simulating future climate and land-use scenarios, the research will help design adaptive strategies to safeguard freshwater resources under increasing pressure. The broader benefits of this project include informing global water management practices, advancing climate resilience efforts, and promoting sustainable development. By addressing critical knowledge gaps and providing innovative solutions, this research will contribute to protecting freshwater ecosystems and ensuring their essential role in supporting human well-being and environmental health.

Purpose of the Job

Working on the 'Reconstructing Freshwater Histories: Leveraging High-Resolution Data and Machine Learning for Sustainable Water Management' project, this new Research Officer role is central to tackling the pressing challenges facing freshwater ecosystems due to climate change and human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and overextraction.


The successful candidate will play a key role in the development and application of advanced machine learning models to reconstruct historical freshwater dynamics using high-resolution satellite imagery. This work will involve integrating historical datasets with modern observations to identify long-term trends, uncover patterns of vulnerability and resilience, and forecast future freshwater responses to intensifying climate and land-use stressors. In addition to core analytical responsibilities, the candidate will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to combine satellite data, machine learning, and hydrological modelling approaches, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the pressures on freshwater systems.


This role includes contributing to high-impact research publications, presenting findings at leading conferences, and engaging with stakeholders to translate research insights into actionable water management strategies.


The Research Officer will join a dynamic research environment at the School of Ocean Sciences, working closely with Dr. Woolway's group and a broader network of experts to advance sustainable freshwater management practices. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented researcher to contribute to innovative solutions addressing one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

    Gathering and analysing data: Acquire, process, and interpret data to support the project's objectives. This includes maintaining a comprehensive and current understanding of relevant scientific literature, contributing to data collection efforts, and supporting the principal investigator in refining and developing new methodologies for the simulation of lakes. Engage in comparative studies to assess and improve the accuracy of modelling outputs.
    Delivering research outcomes: Lead the dissemination of findings through high-impact scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations at international conferences. Collaborate with research partners to share results with the wider scientific community and stakeholders. Prepare clear and comprehensive write-ups for scientific articles and contribute to public engagement and outreach activities. Provide regular updates and reports to the project management group to keep all partners informed of progress.
    Administration of the research project: Participate actively in project meetings and contribute to planning and coordination to ensure the project meets its goals. Assist in coordinating project timelines, task allocations, and deliverables. Support grant reporting and compliance with project milestones.
    Collaboration and mentorship: Advise and collaborate with PhD students and junior researchers within the PI's group, fostering a supportive and productive research environment. Share expertise through workshops or seminars and contribute to the academic community's collective knowledge.
    Project management support: Assist the PI and team with project organization, including timeline management, resource allocation, and quality assurance for outputs. Ensure that research activities align with the overarching goals of the project and adhere to best practices in research ethics and data management.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

    The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
    The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
    The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and well-being and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
    The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

    PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant subject e.g. Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Data Science, Limnology, or related field.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

    Experience in machine learning and data science.
    Experience working with large geospatial datasets from multiple sources.
    Experience with programming languages such as Matlab/R/Python.
    Experience in water research or water resources research.
    Experience in the field of Earth Sciences and/or knowledge of Remote sensing applications.

Desirable

    Experience of analysing satellite images of water bodies.
    Journal publications in the field of Climate Science, Earth Science, Earth Observation, Limnology.
    Experience applying model data for studying climate change impacts.

Skills/Abilities

Essential

    Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
    Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
    Demonstrated ability to publish in high quality scientific journals (number/quality publications considered relative to career stage).
    The ability to manage time effectively and to deliver detailed reports to deadlines.
    Understand the bilingual nature of the institution and area, and the ensuing responsibilities.

Desirable

    Track record of conference presentations.
    Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.
    The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh is desirable for this role. If applicants are not able to speak / write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.

General

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.


We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.


All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.


We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.


Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.


Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

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