At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop machine learning models to predict sea level rise and collaborate with top researchers.
- Company: Lancaster University, a leader in mathematical sciences and climate research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, research opportunities, and collaboration with prestigious institutions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on solving critical environmental challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate adaptation and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in Bayesian methods and machine learning.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The School of Mathematical Sciences at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate (SRA) to work within 'MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems', contributing to the NERC-funded project 'IceDice: Predicting the stochastic behaviour of West Antarctica's Marine Ice Sheet'.
About the role: The IceDice project aims to provide reliable probabilistic forecasts of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's contribution to future sea level rise - information of enormous societal and economic value for coastal planning and climate adaptation worldwide. Your research will develop and apply novel Bayesian machine learning methods - in particular physics-informed Gaussian processes and/or neural operators - to build accurate probability density functions (PDFs) of future Antarctic sea level contributions. Working as part of a collaborative team spanning British Antarctic Survey and the University of Cambridge, you will be based at Lancaster and work with Dr Henry Moss.
Responsibilities
- Develop machine learning emulators for the WAVI ice-sheet model to serve as efficient surrogates for large-scale Bayesian inference.
- Develop utility-function-based experimental design methods to identify the computer simulations and observational surveys that maximise information about future sea level for a given computational cost.
- Work closely with ice-sheet modellers at the British Antarctic Survey to apply probabilistic methods to realistic West Antarctic domains.
- Publish high-quality research in leading peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
Qualifications
- PhD in statistics, machine learning, physics or a closely related discipline.
- Research experience in Bayesian methods, probabilistic modelling, or scientific machine learning.
- Experience with Gaussian processes, MCMC methods, or uncertainty quantification for expensive computational simulators.
- An interest in applying mathematical methods to real-world environmental challenges, and willingness to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries.
- Experience with Python, or equivalent scientific computing languages.
Senior Research Associate - MARS / IceDice employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Research Associate role, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the School of Mathematical Sciences. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge research projects like IceDice, which not only contribute to significant societal impacts but also provide ample opportunities for professional growth through interdisciplinary collaboration with esteemed institutions such as the British Antarctic Survey and the University of Cambridge. Located in a vibrant academic community, Lancaster University prioritises employee development and encourages contributions to high-quality research that addresses pressing global challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate - MARS / IceDice
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Lancaster University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Lancaster University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate - MARS / IceDice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Lancaster University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Lancaster University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Lancaster University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Lancaster University to drive research projects forward.
