Environmental/Groundwater Modeller
UKRI – NERC – BGS
Location: Based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham
Grade: UKRI – Band C (or possibly Band D)
Salary: Band C starting salary is £25,702 to £27,938 per annum (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 a small amount of hybrid working, in line with BGS policy)
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 4th June 2023
Please note that internal UKRI applicants will currently be subject to the UKRI Pay & Reward Policy & Guidance to determine their starting salary
A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated Environmental / Groundwater Modeller to join the BGS Environmental Change, Adaptation & Resilience challenge area.
You will contribute to 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.
You will work as part of a project team and provide the expertise required to develop and apply modelling tools to study the terrestrial water cycle, subsurface processes, and interacting systems. You will also be expected to 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 expected to share your knowledge and contribute to the development of new research ideas and projects.
About you
You should have 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.
You must have significant degree level training in mathematics and have some experience of the development of models in a scientific programming language.
Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.
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.
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.
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 an environmental science 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)
· 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)
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
· 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 (I)
· Ability to prioritise work and manage time effectively (I)
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
· Approachable (I)
· Able to communicate and work well remotely (I)
· Able to travel off-site in the UK and abroad occasionally (S)
· Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the work of BGS and our core values of impact, impartiality, and knowledge (S&I)
· You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)
MOTIVATION
Essential
· Displays an enthusiasm for their science and a desire to resolve scientific problems (I)
Desirable
· Demonstrates an interest in their own Continuing Professional Development (S&I)
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.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – British Geological Survey
- Contract Type: Open Ended
- External Closing Date: Jun 4, 2023
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 25,702
- Hours: Full-time
