Geo-hydrological Modeller
UKRI – NERC – BGS
Location: This role is based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham
Grade: UKRI Pay Band C (or possibly Pay Band D)
Salary: Pay Band C starting salary is £25,702 to £27,938 per annum (Pay Band D salary, which starts at £31,931 per annum may be payable to very strong applicants who can also demonstrate most/all of the desirable criteria for this post)
Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including some hybrid working, in line with BGS policy)
Contract type: Fixed term appointment (2 years) – Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and interviews may take place ahead of the official closing date
Closing date: 31st January 2023
A great benefits package is offered!, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a hard-working and motivated Geo-hydrological Modeller to join the BGS Environmental Change, Adaptation & Resilience challenge area.
The successful candidate will work in a range of environmental science and hydrogeological projects in the Environmental Modelling Topic. The work will be mostly UK based but there may also be opportunities to work overseas for short periods of time.
Working as part of a project team, you will:
- Provide the expertise required to develop and apply environmental/mathematical models of the terrestrial water cycle and subsurface processes and interacting systems.
- Have a role in the development of environmental modelling more generally within the organisation, and in collaboration with other academic and industrial partners.
As part of a larger community of modellers and geoscientists in BGS you will be encouraged to share your knowledge and help work towards to the development of new research ideas and projects.
About you
- A MSc or PhD in an environmental science subject with broad knowledge of the hydrological/hydrogeological sciences as well as a first degree (Hons to 2:1 or better) in a science topic.
- Must have significant degree level training in mathematics and have experience of the development of numerical models in a scientific programming language (preferably Python, C++, Matlab).
Please also refer to the specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.
About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to inform government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites: a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham, and the Lyell Centre, which is a collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations, has close links with 40 universities, and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.
How to apply
Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.
A well thought through application addressing the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 31st January 2023. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and interviews may take place ahead of the official closing date.
Geo-hydrological Modeller: Skills Specification
Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist – ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ Stage
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to 2:1 and either have an MSc or PhD in a subject related to this post (S)
- Completion of maths modules as part of undergraduate or postgraduate degree, demonstrating capability in mathematical methods/analysis (S)
Experience
Essential
- Minimum acceptable is MSc with no subsequent work experience (S)
- Experience in the application of numerical models to simulate components of the terrestrial water cycle (S&I)
- Mathematical/numerical modelling, GIS, and data processing (S&I)
- Experience in the processing and analysis of environmental spatio-temporal data (S&I)
- Experience in working as part of team (S)
Desirable
- Experience of conceptual and/or numerical groundwater modelling (S&I)
- Record of scientific writing (S)
Knowledge
Essential
- Broad knowledge of hydrological and hydrogeological processes and their representation in mathematical models (S&I)
- Knowledge of hydrological or land surface modelling software (S&I)
Desirable
- Knowledge of data-based and statistical modelling methods (S&I)
- Specific knowledge of groundwater modelling codes e.g. MODFLOW, FEFLOW (S)
Skills & abilities
Essential
- Proficient in the development, application, and evaluation of models to the terrestrial water cycle (S&I)
- Ability to process and analyse data using one or more scientific programming languages (S)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to present science clearly to non-scientists (S&I)
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team (S&I)
- Ability to prioritise work and manage your time effectively (S&I)
Desirable
- Scientific coding in Python, C/C++ (S)
- Ability to work unsupervised and adapt effectively to changing priorities (S&I)
Personal qualities
Essential
- Approachable (S)
- Able to communicate and work well remotely (S&I)
- Alignment to BGS Core Values (I)
Desirable
- Able to travel off-site in the UK and abroad occasionally (S)
Motivation
Essential
- Displays an enthusiasm for their science and a desire to develop this further (I)
- Demonstrates curiosity and a drive to resolve scientific problems (I)
Desirable
- Demonstrates an interest in the work of BGS, NERC and UKRI (S&I)
- Demonstrates an interest in their own Continuing Professional Development (S)
About The British Geological Survey (BGS)
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts.
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.
How to Apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for BGS and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered. You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and covering letter and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
About UKRI
Launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
