Research Associate in Geotechnical Engineering (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering on a fixed term basis, working on the EPSRC-funded ACHILLES Programme.

About the role:

This short-term PDRA position will support the ACHILLES Programme Grant at the University of Bath (2018-2023). ACHILLES is investigating the deterioration of long-linear infrastructure assets (road and rail embankments and cuttings) to improve their long-term performance. This is in collaboration with five academic institutions, the British Geological Survey and an Expert Advisory Board of UK infrastructure owners and their consultants. You can visit the ACHILLES Programme website here: https://www.achilles-grant.org.uk/

As a Research Associate you will obtain, manipulate and interpret large ground investigation datasets to understand material properties for both academic and industrial outputs. You’ll also provide subject-specific research expertise in geotechnical engineering or geoscience and undertake specific research work for the EPSRC-funded ACHILLES Programme Grant.

Responsibilities will include:

• Collating, sorting and interpreting commercial ground investigation data.
• Running statistical analyses (both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics) to explore the variability of measured material parameters.
• Interpreting the results of soil and rock test data in relation to its geological context.
• Engagement with industrial collaborators to obtain data, discuss its use and report findings.
• Reviewing geotechnical properties in the literature for specific geological strata (e.g. published CIRIA reports) and working with ACHILLES collaborators to inform their investigations.

This position is offered on fixed-term contract to run from 1st July 2023 to 31st December 2023.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Kevin Briggs (k.m.briggs@bath.ac.uk) or Dr Lee Bryant (lb712@bath.ac.uk) however please ensure you submit your application through our website.

About you:

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A basic understanding of geotechnical engineering and ground investigation data
• The ability to run statistical analyses (e.g. correlation, regression)
• Programming skills using MATLAB, Python or similar
• Familiarity with soil and rock laboratory testing

A PhD in a relevant field (or evidence of submission) is essential for this position.

About us:

The role will be based in the Centre for Climate Adaptation and Environment Research (CAER) within the Faculty of Engineering & Design at the University of Bath.

Here in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, sustainability within the built environment is central to our research activities. We promote collaborative and interdisciplinary research drawing on both fields of expertise in our joint department.

What we can offer you:

• a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.

We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.