The British Geological Survey (BGS), founded in 1835 is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and is the world's longest-established national geological survey and the UKs premier centre for earth science information and expertise. A vacancy has arisen in the Land Use, Planning and Development research theme for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Engineering Geophysicist to work closely with Engineering Geologists, Geophysicists and also Hydrogeologists at our headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham. (See http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/home.html?src=topNav for more information).

You will have a thorough understanding of physical processes and how these processes would be affected by heterogeneity and property distributions. You will apply your knowledge, undertake and analyse laboratory and field experiments to develop geophysical property distribution models of the ground. You should be able to apply and develop proprietary and / or bespoke platforms to construct ground models attributed with property distributions that capture heterogeneity at multiple scales. An ability to model and visualise wave propagation processes would be particularly advantageous.

You will have a 2:1 minimum first degree in geophysics or a physics-related subject. You can demonstrate specific research experience in a related research topic and are very likely to have a PhD. You should be interested in a research portfolio that furthers our understanding of the inter-related geotechnical, physical and geophysical properties of soils and rocks in the near surface. This work would focus upon property relationship development, laboratory and field testing, property model building and possibly process modelling. While you should have a keen ability to solve physics-based problems, ideally this would be in a geological context, including the ability to analyse and interpret datasets acquired from laboratory tests, field surveys or computer simulations.

You must possess good communication skills, both oral and written. The post involves team working, therefore you should be able to work effectively with others and have good time management skills. You would be expected to develop your expertise and build a scientific profile via academic and stake holder collaborations, presentation and publication of your research. You must have a full driving licence.

Starting salary will be between £26,450 per annum and £29,710 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Working hours will be 37 per week excluding lunch breaks. A generous benefits package is also offered, including a company pension scheme, childcare voucher scheme, 30 days annual leave plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays.

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/ and submit your up-to-date C.V. and covering letter, which clearly outlines why you are applying for this post and how you meet the criteria described in this advertisement. 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 IRC88310.

Closing date for receipt of application forms is Friday 26 April 2013.

The Natural Environment Research Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities and those from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. The British Geological Survey is an Investors in People organisation. There is a guaranteed Interview Scheme for suitable candidates with disabilities.