Research Associate (KK reference: KK12521

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding Research Associate with proven expertise in the analysis of large environmental and/or climate datasets and application of numerical modelling tools to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team investigating ways to help underserved communities at risk from heat stress, rising sea levels, coastal flooding and extreme storms to adapt to climate change by creating resilient and sustainable buildings and infrastructure.

The successful applicant will work with three “Living Labs” with different climate-related challenges established at locations in Port Arthur, Texas, USA; Indramayu. Java, Indonesia and Medellin, Columbia. 

The role of the Research Associate will be to assess and map in conjunction with the local inhabitants, the key climate-related risks at each Living Lab, including the impact on critical buildings and infrastructure, agricultural land and water security. This will involve characterising natural and built environments and identifying compounding vulnerabilities to assess and map risks, potentially including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, storm surge, flooding, landslides, high temperatures and land use changes. This will be achieved by compiling previous relevant studies, analysis of existing data (e.g. climate, topography, sea level, wave conditions etc) and application of numerical modelling tools. The exact risks investigated at each site will be informed by communication with local communities to determine the key climate-related stressors and collaboration with architects and social scientists.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

This is a full-time fixed-term 19-month contract. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Tristan Kershaw (tjk28@bath.ac.uk) or Dr Chris Blenkinsopp (cb761@bath.ac.uk).

About you

You will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field. The ideal applicant will have good numerical skills, experience of using and managing large datasets (preferably environmental/climate) and be familiar with setting up and running numerical models. The successful candidate will also be involved in communicating the results of their analysis to academic and community partners within the Living Labs.

You will have the opportunity for overseas travel to at least one of the Living Lab locations and be expected to represent the project at national and international conferences.

You will be expected to interact with the wider project team and also contribute to the activities of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering and Climate Adaptation and Environment Research Centre at the University of Bath.

What we can offer you:

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out more about our benefits.

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.

Closing Date: 06 Apr 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413