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Overview

We are recruiting for a dedicated Research Associate on a EPSRC project which aims to improve seismic safety and resilience of communities living in Uganda. This project provides a unique opportunity and platform to contribute to research and development of seismic hazard, vulnerability and exposure models to understand risk in Uganda and enhance the resilience of the country against earthquakes.

You will take an active role in analysing, categorising and documenting the collected data, developing of vulnerability/fragility curves using numerical methods, implementing exposure models, performing risk calculations and developing seismic risk management strategies by closely working with academic research teams in Uganda.

The candidate for the post should hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in any relevant area of Earthquake Engineering and should have a strong knowledge of probabilistic seismic hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment methods. The Research Associate will join an internationally renowned research group in Earthquake Engineering at CSE and will contribute CSE’s reputation as the leading department in Structural Engineering.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, coordinate and perform research on earthquake hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment using OpenQuake software and develop earthquake management strategies to enhance the seismic disaster resilience of Uganda.
• Analyse, categorise and document collected seismological, geological, tectonic and built environment data and model and map the data in GIS environment.
• Develop high-fidelity Finite Element (FE) models of structures and structural elements and perform FE analyses on these models.
• Continuously monitor and check results.
• Collaborate with the project partners in Uganda and other involved parties to progress the project tasks and contribute actively in the management and coordination of the project activities; this role may require travel to Uganda.
• Communicate the project findings to project stakeholders, perform administrative work for the project (general organisation and supervision of research team/activities, etc.) and contribute to the development of documentation and outreach materials (writing minutes and project reports, etc.).
• Plan and prepare papers for journals/presentations at national/international conferences to disseminate research findings.
• Read academic papers and textbooks, and attend conferences, to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the research group, such as project reports and grant applications.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Civil and/or Structural Engineering. [assessed at application.]
• Experience in designing and performing probabilistic seismic hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment studies, and developing earthquake risk management strategies. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Experience in modelling and mapping seismologic, geologic, tectonic and built environment data in GIS environment. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Proven IT skills and experience of using OpenQuake and Matlab software. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations. [assessed at application and interview.]
• A proven record in developing high-quality research and publications in high-profile peer reviewed journals. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Ability to work as part of a multinational research team, show enthusiasm, initiative and possess good interpersonal skills. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving. [assessed at application and interview.]

Desirable criteria

• Experience in developing numerical FE models of buildings. [assessed at application and interview.]
• Experience in undertaking research within the realm of Earthquake Engineering with a specific emphasis on developing countries. [assessed at application and interview.]

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 - £46,735

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 13 months

Line manager: Lecturer in Structural Engineering

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mac

For informal enquiries about this job contact
[Dr Zuhal Ozdemir], [Lecturer in Structural Engineering]: on z.ozdemir@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 25419

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 19th June 2024. This will consist of interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10th June 2024. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Dr Zuhal Ozdemir on z.ozdemir@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 5419

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.