Research Fellow - QT Hub - Geophysics: Computational Modelling

Job Summary:

The role in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham will undertake research to develop advanced numerical modelling procedures to infer quantum technology (QT) gravity gradiometer data to detect buried features and their condition. This position is offered as part of the multi-disciplinary, multi-universities research grant QT-Hub in Sensing and Timing to develop innovative techniques to extend the use of quantum technology in geophysics and geotechnical engineering application.

The postholder will create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities and research in the field of developing computational modelling procedures to infer data from QT sensors within UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Timing. The postholder will work within UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Timing and contribute to writing bids for related funding, operate within the area of computational modelling and data analysis of QT sensors, and analyse and interpret research findings and results. They will contribute to generating funding and contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and the public and industry's understanding of the discipline.

The post holder will be responsible for the planning and development of computational modelling procedures and will assist the PI in writing of the research reports and the dissemination of the project findings through journal and conference publications. The candidate will be contributing to prepare proposals to secure additional research grants.

Main Duties:

The responsibilities will include:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, including University open days, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Collaborate with research partners across the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Timing consortium
• Responsible for the planning and development of computational modelling procedures
• Assist the PI in writing of the research reports and the dissemination of the project findings through journal and conference publications.
• Contributing to prepare proposals to secure additional research grants.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required:

• First degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, geophysics, physics, or applied mathematics
• Hold (or be close to completion of) a PhD relevant to computational modelling applied to geotechnical, mechanical or structural engineering, geophysics, or physics (mechanics)
• Excellent command of programming in Matlab
• Demonstrably experience in use of finite element method
• Demonstrable knowledge of machine learning-based techniques
• Demonstrably strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong track record of high-quality research
• Demonstrably high level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new models, techniques or methods
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/ administration processes
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Proven experience of co-ordinating own work with others, to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

Informal enquiries to Dr Asaad Faramarzi, a.faramarzi@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 414 5050

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