School of Geosciences
Northern Rivers Institute

Two Postdoctoral Research Fellows

The Northern Rivers Institute, School of Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen invites applications for two Research Fellows. Both posts form part of the £1.3M project "VeWa:Vegetation effects on water flow and mixing in high-latitude ecosystems" funded by the European Research Council (ERC). It is anticipated that both positions commence in January 2014 for a period of 3 years each (with the possibility of extension).

The interdisciplinary project VeWa will address novel questions on vegetation-water linkages across different spatial scales along a northern climatic gradient and investigate four experimental sites in three countries: UK, Canada and Sweden. Such geographically extensive comparison allows the consistency of processes and drivers to be assessed across broad spatial scales. The empirical methods will comprise monitoring of soil physical conditions, vegetation conditions, hydrometric, and cross-scale tracer approaches. Based on the empirical data, predictive capabilities of vegetation-water linkages in high-latitude upland catchments will be developed. The field data will inform multivariate analysis and modelling studies. Tracer-aided models will be applied to simulate the dynamics and the fluxes of water into and out of multiple soil layers. Project partners are Professors Sean Carey (McMaster, Canada), James Buttle (Trent University, Canada), Hjalmar Laudon (SLU, Umea, Sweden) and Jeff McDonnell (University of Saskatchewan, Canada)

Both Research Fellow posts are designed to provide research support in environmental tracer applications and coupled hydrological and ecohydrological modelling. The successful candidates will work at the interface between field-based characterisation of catchment hydrological and ecohydrological processes and numerical, ecohydrological modeling across scales. The successful candidates should be exceptional in combining field experimental skills with strong numerical / computational skills. Experience with programming in MATLAB, R or another software development tool is essential. Expertise in remote sensing & data assimilation and / or incorporation of tracers into hydrological models would be advantageous. The successful candidates will also coordinate and participate in fieldwork, consisting of the installation and maintenance of ecohydrological monitoring stations. Other experience would be expected in one or several of the following components: conducting fieldwork in remote locations, experience in working in collaborative research activities, and working well in a team environment. Strong English language oral and written communication skills are required. The post is based at the University of Aberdeen but involves travel to field sites in Canada and Sweden as well. The opportunity offers significant potential for professional growth and exposure in Europe and North America.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6 salary scale (£30,424 - £32,267 per annum) with placement according to qualifications and experience. Consideration will be given to making an appointment at the Grade 5 Research Assistant level (£25,504 - £28,685) for candidates who meet the criteria but are in the process of completing their PhD. Should the PhD be attained during employment the individual would be promoted to Research Fellow.

As this position is funded by the EU Commission it will be offered for a period of 4.5 years

Job Reference Number: GEO213R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 4 October 2013.