We are seeking a postdoctoral research assistant for a fixed-term appointment of 22 months working on an exciting and novel research project to model the effect of vegetation on the development of alluvial fans. This will make full use of the unique flume facilities in the Department of Geography. We intend to establish the interactions between live vegetation (alfalfa) and changes in sediment and water delivery on fan development. The researcher will work with Dr Stuart McLelland and Professor Tom Coulthard to design and implement a coherent series of laboratory experiments using the Total Environment Simulator at the Deep in Hull. The main focus of the work will involve experimental design, operation of the experiments and the collection and presentation of data on alluvial fan development from these experiments. The researcher assistant will receive supervision and training in experimental methods, including advanced flow measurement techniques, terrain analysis and the processing and synthesis of data collected. This post is funded by a generous donation from ARCO.

The successful applicant will match the following criteria:

• First degree and PhD in an appropriate branch of environmental science or hydraulic engineering.
• Experience of physical hydraulic experimentation.
• A track record of high quality research output with a number of scientific publications.
• Have delivered poster and oral presentations at national and/or international scientific conferences.
• Proven ability to use initiative, reasoning and creativity to solve problems as part of a team.
• Demonstrable ability to undertake basic research and report on it using standard techniques and methods.
• Be willing and able to plan, prioritise and organise work to achieve pre-defined outcomes with support from senior colleagues.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Self-reliant with the ability to work accurately with meticulous attention to detail.
• Be willing and able to work effectively as an active and collegial team member and to work productively with colleagues.
• Commitment to continued personal and professional development and training in experimental techniques and analysis.

Salary range £25,001 - £29,853 pa.

You can learn more about this position and apply online at www.hull.ac.uk/jobs (vacancy ref: FS0037).

To discuss this role informally, please contact Dr Stuart McLelland on 01482 465007 or email: S.J.McLelland@hull.ac.uk

Closing date: 1 August 2010

www.hull.ac.uk/jobs