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Overview
We are looking for a dedicated Research Associate to join the EPSRC-funded project, Rooting for Resilience - Forests as Physical Barriers to Landslide Runout. This project explores the potential of forests to mitigate the impact of landslides by acting as natural barriers, focusing on tree failure dynamics and woody debris interaction with landslides. This research provides a unique opportunity to contribute to developments in geohazard mitigation and nature-based solutions, combining laboratory experiments, advanced numerical modelling, and real-world case studies.
Educated to PhD level, you will possess expertise in geotechnical engineering, numerical modelling, or landslide science. You will take an active role in designing and conducting laboratory experiments to understand landslide-forest interactions, developing multi-scale numerical models to simulate these processes, and applying the findings to real-world hazard scenarios. The role will include analysing experimental and field data, interpreting results, and integrating these insights into practical guidelines for forest-based hazard mitigation. Findings will be shared through steering group meetings, reports, and high-impact publications. This role offers an exciting opportunity to extend your professional network within academia and among stakeholders involved in hazard mitigation and reforestation strategies, both nationally and internationally.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Conduct laboratory experiments to study landslide-tree interactions, including tree failure, woody debris dynamics, and energy dissipation effects, using laboratory flume facilities.
- Develop and refine multi-scale numerical models (e.g., Lattice-Boltzmann and Discrete-Element Methods) to simulate landslide-forest interactions, including woody debris entrainment and its impact on hazard mitigation.
- Gather and analyse experimental, numerical, and field data to inform the development of guidelines for using forests as natural barriers against landslides.
- Collaborate with national and international project partners to integrate findings into regional-scale hazard assessment models and reforestation strategies.
- Contribute to planning and delivering effective communication of research outcomes, including guidelines for stakeholders on managing landslide hazards through nature-based solutions.
- Prepare high-quality documents and reports for project steering group meetings, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Publish research in high-quality international journals and present at international conferences.
- Manage data collection and storage on a day-to-day basis.
- Lead on preparation and delivery of academic dissemination for journals and/or conferences based on the research.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
- A BEng/MEng or equivalent 1st or 2:1 degree in Engineering, Geoscience, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline. (assessed at: application)
- A PhD in a relevant area such as geotechnical or civil engineering, landslide science, or numerical modelling, ideally including aspects of granular flows or geohazard mitigation. (assessed at: application)
- Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in geohazard mitigation or granular physics, particularly related to landslide dynamics. (assessed at: application/Interview)
- Experience in modelling landslide or geohazard processes, either using numerical or physical modelling techniques. (assessed at: application/Interview)
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations and attention to detail. (assessed at: application/Interview)
- Evidence experience of disseminating research at relevant conferences and in academic journals. (assessed at: application/Interview)
Desirable criteria
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member as well as independently with experience of working as part of an engineering led multidisciplinary team. (assessed at: application/Interview)
- Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area. (assessed at: application/Interview)
Further Information
Grade: 7
Duration: Fixed-term post for 3 years
Line manager: Dr Alessandro Leonardi
Direct reports: N/A
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Alessandro Leonardi : on a.leonardi@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 3rd Feb 2025. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 27th January 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
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We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognizes and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.