Research Associate in hydraulic modelling of extreme flood events (FM

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive and qualified researcher to work on a new interdisciplinary project ‘Historical flash floods in the South West: Reconstructing the 1968 event (DocuFlood)’ funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The post is based in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath with strong links to the collaborating partner at the University of Greenwich’s School of Engineering.

The project is developing and testing a new risk-based framework for reconstructing historical flash flood events. In particular, the candidate will be working on advanced uncertainty assessment of flood risk using the HEC-RAS modelling system combined with Monte Carlo simulations. The framework has been already tested successfully on the 1968 flash flood on the River Chew. [IS1] As part of this role, the uncertainty assessment will be validated by testing it on selected historical flash floods events from the South-West of England. As part of the project, we expect the candidate to work collaboratively with external organisations involved in flood modelling and general flood risk management.

You will use hydraulic modelling tools (1D and 2D) as well as Python programming to achieve project objectives.

This position is offered on a full time basis, fixed term for a period of six months.

About you

Our ideal candidate will have:

a PhD or equivalent in a relevant subjectexperience in the use of hydraulic modelling tools (1D and ideally 2D)experience of Python programmingan interest in hydrology and flood management

Further information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Thomas Kjeldsen, Reader, at trk23@bath.ac.uk.  

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

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Closing Date: 26 Mar 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413