At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to model soil impacts on underground cables under climate change.
- Company: Newcastle University, a global leader in research and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, health initiatives, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with strong commitment to diversity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience.
- Qualifications: Honours degree in Civil Engineering or related field; PhD for Research Associate.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 35608 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Full Time
Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum
Research Associate: £36,636 to £38,784 per annum
Closing Date: 16 August 2026
The Role
Newcastle University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the innovative HOTGROUND project: Identifying Future Risk Hotspots for Underground Cables Affected by Hot Weather. The project is funded through a collaboration with Northern Powergrid (NPg) and the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) and aims to address one of the emerging challenges facing the UK's electricity infrastructure under climate change.
The project will:
- Analyse historical underground cable fault records alongside climate, rainfall, soil moisture and land-use datasets
- Develop thermo-mechanical soil models to assess how heatwaves influence underground cable temperatures
- Apply UK climate projections to evaluate future risks under climate change scenarios
- Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
- Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
- Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
- Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
- Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate
Research Associate
- Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
- Determine appropriate methodologies for research
- Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
- Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
- Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Research Assistant
- Knowledge of numerical modelling and/or computational geomechanics
- Strong skills in data analysis and programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB)
- Strong report-writing and publication record commensurate with career stage
- Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
- Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
- Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
- Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
- The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
In addition for Research Associate
- Awareness of the research environment
- High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
- Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
- Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications
Attributes and Behaviour
- Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
- Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
- Commitment to continued professional development
- Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity
Qualifications
Research Assistant
- Honours degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
In addition for Research Associate
- PhD in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, Physics or a related discipline
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams.
Research Assistant/Associate in Soil Modelling in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of immuno-oncology research. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful projects in a supportive team atmosphere. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Associate in Soil Modelling in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Research Assistant/Associate in Soil Modelling in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle University to drive research projects forward.
