Job Description

Research Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a project: Computational Modelling of Fracture Propagation working with Professor Chris Pearce and Professor Lukasz Kaczmarczyk in the Glasgow Computational Engineering Centre. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge in Computational Solid Mechanics. The successful candidate will also be expected to work closely with industry partners, contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2, Take a leading role in developing theoretical, numerical and computational models associated with fracture propagation.

3, Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

4, Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

6. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

7. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

8. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (eg. Academic and Industrial Partners).

9. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

10. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

11. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

12. Make a leading contribution to outreach and recruitment activities of The University of Glasgow.

13. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15. Take a leading role in maintaining a close working relationship with our industrial sponsor: EDF Energy.

16. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of computational solid mechanics; the finite element method; fracture mechanics; continuum mechanics.

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism

A4 Knowledge of specialist scientific computing software (e.g., C++, Python, etc.) as appropriate

A5 Knowledge of project-specific technical models or techniques

Skills

Essential:

C1 Ability to develop theoretical and computational models to describe the mechanical behaviour of materials.

C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate

C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and the ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C8 Problem-solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C9 Good Team Leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

Desirable:

D1 Comfortable developing expertise in multiple fields

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2 Experience in developing finite element models.

E3 Experience in scientific writing

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E6 Experience of making a leading contribution to academic activities

E7 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by the identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E8 Experience in undertaking independent research.

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation

F2 Experience utilising open-source libraries for the development of finite element models.

Closing date: 19 September 2023

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, \xc2\xa339,347 - \xc2\xa344,263 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 125690 Close Date : 19-Sep-2023 23:45

University of Glasgow