Research Assistant/Associate

The Role

We are excited to launch this new opportunity for a Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Fluid Dynamics to join us at the School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics in Newcastle. You will work across our campus having an office space in the School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics, Herschel Building and a state-of-the-art laboratory space in our newly renovated School of Engineering, Stephenson Building. You will work under the guidance of Dr Magda Carr as part of an internationally leading team including colleagues at the British Antarctic Survey (Hendry, Meredith & Munday) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (Inall).

You will contribute to a recently awarded Leverhulme-funded project on the Experimental Study of Internal Tsunamis Generated by Glacial Calving. Internal tsunamis are underwater waves that propagate on density interfaces within stably stratified fluids. Recent observations have shown that glacier calving can be responsible for their generation which in turn plays an important role in driving regional shelf mixing within polar waters. This has significant implications for glacier dynamics, ice shelf retreats, sea ice, biogeochemistry and marine productivity, thus affecting global sea level and climate.

In this project a laboratory-based approach is proposed to gain insight into the fundamental physics underlying how internal tsunamis are generated by calving events. The results will inform how global ocean numerical climate models should be best parametrised to incorporate the effect of internal tsunami energetics.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team working across three institutions (Newcastle, BAS and SAMS) and gain the opportunity to become part of a global network. The team will consult regularly with the NERC funded POLOMINTS Large Grant team (led by Meredith). As such, you will gain invaluable experience of working in a truly interdisciplinary team.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with a passion for collaboration and the ability to interact and engage with a diverse network of specialists. We are looking for candidates who have a PhD and/or Post-Doc experience in Fluid Dynamics, Physical Oceanography, Applied Mathematics or a related discipline. Enthusiasm for research, an ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential requirements. Some knowledge of fluid dynamics, an interest in experimental work and evidence of publication are desirable.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

The post is full time and the duration of post is 48 months with an anticipated start date of 01/09/2026