Job Purpose
You will contribute to a project on landslide and debris flow modelling and simulation, working with Professor Jin Sun and relevant research collaborators in a wide range of disciplines.
This one-year Research Assistant position is part of a project aimed at advancing the modelling and simulation of landslides and debris flows using state-of-the-art continuum fluid dynamics approaches. Landslides are complex, gravity-driven flows that exhibit both solid-like and fluid-like behaviour, and their accurate prediction is essential for natural-hazard assessment and risk mitigation. The project will focus on developing and implementing continuum models that capture the key physical processes governing initiation, mobility, and runout of granular and debris-laden flows. The successful candidate will work with nonlinear partial differential equations, constitutive modelling, and numerical methods to simulate large-scale mass-movement events, with the aim of improving our understanding of flow behaviour across different environmental conditions.
The role will involve designing and running numerical simulations, analysing results, and contributing to the development of improved rheological and constitutive models for geophysical mass flows. The Research Assistant will also have the opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team working on geomechanics, fluid dynamics, and natural-hazard modelling.
Ideally applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in fluid dynamics, geophysical or environmental flows, continuum mechanics, computational physics, or a closely related field. A strong background in fluid dynamics is essential, and expertise in data-driven fluid mechanics or experimental fluid mechanics is especially welcome. Strong skills in numerical simulation, scientific computing, and mathematical modelling are essential. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to develop expertise in hazard-modelling research while contributing to methods that support real-world risk reduction. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities arises.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
9. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.
Knowledge, Qualifications Skills and Experience
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential:
1. A1 SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
2. A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of fluid dynamics and numerical modelling.
3. A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.
Desirable:
1. B1 An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.
Skills
Essential:
1. C1 Knowledge of fluid mechanics and dynamics and computational techniques.
2. C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
3. C3 Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
4. C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
5. C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
6. C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
7. C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
8. C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic appropriate.
Desirable:
1. D1 A background in machine learning as applied to fluid mechanics.
Experience
Essential:
1. E1 Sufficient relevant research experience [or equivalent] appropriate to an early career researcher.
2. E2 Experience of performing computational fluid dynamics research.
3. E3 Experience of scientific writing.
4. E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
5. E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.
Desirable:
1. F1 Experience in preparing external funding proposals.
Closing date
13 January 2026
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum.
This post is full time and fixed term for up to 12 months.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1. 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3. 3 A flexible approach to working.
4. 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
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