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- Tasks: Join a team to develop radar tech for monitoring volcanic eruptions and natural hazards.
- Company: Collaborate with top universities like UCL and Liverpool on groundbreaking research.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in fieldwork and cutting-edge technology, with travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on disaster management while working with leading experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Engineering background with radar tech expertise and field installation experience required.
- Other info: Fixed-term position for 12 months, starting around July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a fixed-term full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position in radar monitoring of natural hazards, beginning around July 2025 (flexible date). The position is funded by the NERC grant 'High Resolution Radar Imaging of Pyroclastic Density Currents', in collaboration with University College London and the University of Liverpool.
The successful applicant will work primarily with the UK PI Dr Richard Brown (Durham), Co-I Prof Paul Brennan (UCL), Co-I Prof Patrice Carbonneau (Durham), Co-I Dr Silvio de Angelis, and Prof Jim McElwaine (Woods Hole, USA). The project involves developing and maintaining radar equipment designed to capture data on pyroclastic density currents during volcanic eruptions.
The candidate should have an engineering background with expertise in radar technology for geophysical monitoring and in data processing and interpretation. The role requires extended travel for installing, maintaining, and extracting data from equipment in Guatemala. Experience in field installation of geophysical monitoring equipment is essential.
This is a fixed-term position for 12 months with funding available only for this period. The post-holder will work on a research project led by colleagues, contributing to the project's advancement through developing research ideas and protocols, although not conducting independent research. Successful applicants should ideally be in post by 31st July 2025.
PDRA in Radar Imaging of Geophysical Flows employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PDRA in Radar Imaging of Geophysical Flows
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of radar technology and geophysical monitoring. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet researchers and industry experts, including those from University College London and the University of Liverpool.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in radar imaging and geophysical monitoring techniques. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with field installation of geophysical monitoring equipment. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects where you successfully installed and maintained such equipment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific challenges associated with monitoring pyroclastic density currents. Understanding these challenges will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions with the project team and showcase your problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace PDRA in Radar Imaging of Geophysical Flows
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the PDRA position. Highlight your engineering background and expertise in radar technology in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience, particularly in radar technology and geophysical monitoring. Include any field installation experience and data processing skills that align with the job's demands.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the project’s goals. Emphasise your enthusiasm for working on natural hazards and your ability to collaborate with the research team across institutions.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, make sure to detail any previous work with radar equipment or similar technologies. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your engineering background and any specific experience you have with radar technology. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, especially those related to geophysical monitoring, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Field Experience
Since the position requires field installation of geophysical monitoring equipment, share any relevant experiences you've had in similar environments. Discuss challenges you faced and how you overcame them to show your problem-solving skills.
✨Research the Project and Collaborators
Familiarise yourself with the NERC grant and the research being conducted by Dr Richard Brown and his team. Understanding their work will allow you to ask insightful questions and show your genuine interest in the project.
✨Prepare for Travel Discussions
As the role involves extended travel to Guatemala, be ready to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel. Highlight any previous travel experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and readiness for fieldwork.
