Junior Research Consultant

Overview

This is an exciting chance to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location and work within a supportive team of world-leading coastal researchers. Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Biological and Marine Sciences aims to enable students to achieve their ambitions by linking research to real world problems, equipping students with the skills to positively impact the sustainability of our environment and society.

Plymouth offers access to the UK’s first National Marine Park, world-class research facilities such as the Marine Station, a fleet of research vessels and LABplus, and a concentration of world-leading marine scientists.

The University of Plymouth is inviting applications for a Junior Research Consultant position in the Coastal Marine Applied Research (CMAR) consultancy within the Coastal Processes Research Group (CPRG). The group specialises in collecting coastal field data in challenging conditions and in modelling coastal processes such as coastal erosion, rip currents, and coastal flooding.

You will have experience in coastal processes and numerical modelling. Your principal role will be to support the consultancy activities of CMAR by delivering numerical modelling tasks of coastal hazards and/or hydro- and morpho-dynamic processes. You will be responsible for the delivery of numerical modelling, data processing/analysis, technical report writing, and the continuous development of CMAR’s client base under the guidance of CMAR’s Senior Research Consultants and academics.

• Contribute to CMAR’s consultancy and research activities, particularly supporting numerical modelling tasks under guidance from senior staff.
• Research, interpret, and process data; analyse results and identify issues requiring further investigation.
• Support the delivery and ongoing development of an effective and flexible technical service, following relevant financial and regulatory procedures.
• Assist with planning and administration of meetings/visits and associated logistics and budgets where required.
• Provide professional engagement with stakeholders and clients, offering proactive advice and guidance to help identify appropriate solutions.
• Contribute to guidance/training on designated activities and associated policies/procedures (as appropriate to experience).
• Ensure all work is undertaken in line with university safety policy and contributes to the University’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

For more information on the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, please visit the dedicated webpage on the University site.

Applicants must have:

• Eligibility to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract (Right to Work in the UK).
• MSc degree (minimum requirement) in a relevant discipline such as coastal science/processes, coastal engineering, oceanography, environmental science, or physical geography.
• Experience with marine and coastal modelling tools such as SWASH, SWAN, Delft3D, XBeach and/or SFINCS.
• Advanced working knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python, and experience with QGIS (with confidence using Microsoft Office and handling datasets/databases).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and deliver to deadlines with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate professionally with stakeholders/clients (in writing, by phone, and/or in meetings).

Experience in one or more of: field data collection, technical report writing, data processing/analysis, working in research projects or a customer-facing/consultancy environment is highly desirable.

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos supported by the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. You will be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths and collaborate across the University to…