Overview
We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Associate (SRA) position to join a large team of investigators working on the UKRI NERC-funded Large Grant 'Ex-X' expecting dangerous volcanic transitions. Understanding 'dangerous' volcanic transitions', this project aims to characterise and model time-dependent changes in the volcanic system properties from magma chamber to atmosphere, and to understand how volcanic activity changes between gently effusive and violently explosive behaviour and shows rapid fluctuations in explosivity during eruptions, which can lead to dangerous escalations in eruptive hazard. The project will use the volcanoes of the Eastern Caribbean as a focal point and, with our partners, plans to demonstrate how this knowledge can improve monitoring and warning systems in the Eastern Caribbean.
Responsibilities
* Develop an existing time‑dependent integral model for idealised turbulent buoyant plumes, to resolve frontal dynamics and add atmospheric thermodynamics and wind, and create a time‑dependent model for volcanic eruption columns.
* Use the model to investigate how conditions for column collapse arise in a time‑dependent volcanic plume, and develop new understanding of how changes in source conditions lead to column collapse.
* Work closely with collaborators at the Universities of Manchester, Oxford and Plymouth to couple the eruption column model to input conditions from time‑dependent conduit modelling, and to far‑field dispersion models and field interpretations of volcanic deposits.
* Work with project partners to operationalise the model for eruption forecasting, which could be foundational for future research funding opportunities.
* Contribute to the development of open‑source software and documentation, and document research impact.
Qualifications
You have a PhD‑level qualification or equivalent experience in Physical Volcanology, Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics and Physics or a related relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.
You have demonstrable quantitative skills in developing and using numerical models to explore dynamics and interpret observations and behaviour of natural systems.
You will have publications in respected journals or equivalent within the field and be able to work in a proactive and results‑driven manner in a high‑paced environment. You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
You have proven ability to lead‑author high profile manuscripts, produce high quality presentations, and curate online datasets/protocols.
Experience and Skills
* Experience and skills in adapting numerical model schemes, programming in numerical languages (e.g. Python, Matlab, Julia, Fortran, C++), and working with geophysical data and operational project partners would be advantageous.
* You have an enthusiasm for working collaboratively across disciplines and with non‑academic partners.
* You thrive in a team working environment and have a proven capacity for excellent time management.
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