Research Associate in Glaciology

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We seek to recruit a Research Associate in Glaciology, as part of a 6‑year European Research Council funded project:
Adapt

AIR, based at the University of Sheffield, King’s College London and the University of Guelph. Adapt

AIR aims to study the implementation of Artificial Ice Reservoirs (AIRs) across the Indian Himalaya. AIRs are large bodies of ice created to seasonally store water by pumping groundwater into the air during winter. Communities in the rural Himalaya are becoming increasingly reliant on AIRs for water, as supplies from glaciers diminish. However, little is known about the long‑term climatological feasibility and socioeconomic impacts of AIRs.

Adapt

AIR is an interdisciplinary team, seeking to integrate science and social science to create a new framework for AIR installation.

Your role will be to provide the historical context of glacier change in this region. You will primarily use satellite remote sensing to pursue this aim, but you will also organise and, if desired, participate in fieldwork deploying monitoring equipment in the region. Importantly, you will work within a highly interdisciplinary environment. You will work closely with other researchers on the project, including glacier and climate modeller, and a researcher seeking to reconstruct glacier extent from missionary archives.

Ongoing co‑design of the research may shift the research questions and direction of the project, based on findings such as the perception of climate change in the region, and the cultural/social‑economic importance of specific regions. The project will also provide time and support to develop your skills and publications as an early career researcher, including mentoring, peer feedback, and a writing retreat targeted at early career team members.

• Collate remotely sensed datasets for the study region into a geodatabase.
• Apply remote sensing techniques to reconstruct glacier and volume over the last ~250 years, using geomorphological data, and satellite imagery.
• Apply photogrammetric techniques to archival satellite imagery to derive glacier mass balance.
• Develop and plan fieldwork plans for the installation of monitoring equipment, in collaboration with the project team.
• Attend team and project meetings as required.
• Collaborate with others on the project, notably the other PDRAs working on climate and hydrological modelling.
• Disseminate research findings through publication in leading peer‑review journals, and at national and international conferences.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of papers for journals/presentations at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• There may be scope for other related research, some of which you may bring with you.
• If desired, there are opportunities to undertake fieldwork.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

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 are 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.

• A PhD in glaciology or a relevant related discipline (Stage(s) assessed at)
• Research interests in line with the…