Postdoctoral Research Associate - Geospatial Hydrological Modeler

Location:

Exeter (Hybrid)

This post is offered as a fixed‑term contract and is funded by NERC from 01/04/2027 until 30/09/2028. The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part‑time hours or job‑sharing arrangements.

The Role

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work alongside PI Naomi Gatis and Co‑Is Alan Puttock, Diego Panici and Richard Brazier. The role will contribute to a NERC‑funded project entitled Return of the beaver: adapting and mitigating climate‑induced hydrological extremes, building on a suite of novel and impactful beaver research already undertaken at the University of Exeter. The successful applicant will seek to quantify the impacts of beaver activity on hydrology and carbon cycling during flood and drought conditions, both under current conditions and future hydrological extremes.

They will combine empirical data collected by the project with simulated data of future beaver occupancy rates and climate scenarios within an integrated modelling framework.

• Modelling reach‑scale hydraulic responses to beaver ponds utilising a 2D‑hydraulic model (e.g. HEC‑RAS)
• Assessing catchment‑scale hydrological impacts using models such as HEC‑HMS
• Upscaling findings to a national scale using geospatial analysis techniques and GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS or equivalent)
• Integrating empirical and modelled datasets to generate high‑quality scientific outputs, including leading the preparation and publication of peer‑reviewed journal articles and disseminating findings to academic, policy and stakeholder audiences

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to demonstrate an understanding of nature‑based solutions to hydrological extremes; have knowledge and experience of hydraulic and hydrological modelling, including working with climate change simulation data;

have knowledge and experience of geospatial analysis using tools; and have experience of field work, particularly monitoring river discharge.

Applicants should be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information orally, in writing and electronically, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

The University of Exeter is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit‑based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably.

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• An Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector‑leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall

Please contact Naomi Gatis,  for further information.