Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physical Geography

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physical Geography (Job Number:

Department of Geography

Grade 7: - £38,784 to £41,064 per annum

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration: 22 months

Contracted Hours per Week: 35

Working Arrangements: 9am and 5pm

Closing Date: 08-Jan-2026, 5:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

Working at Durham University

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The Role and Department

A 22-month fixed term full time Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available in the Department of Geography at Durham University The successful candidate will join the project 'NSFGEO-NERC Collaborative Research: Paleogeodesy at the Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone – Reconstructing Earthquake Deformation and Rupture Boundaries in Time and Space". The project is led at Durham by Dr. Simon Engelhart and is funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council.

As a PDRA on this project, the successful applicant will be required to undertake field-based research across two field seasons along the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone and to develop reconstructions of past relative sea-level (land level) changes over the past few thousand years using diatoms as the main proxy, alongside other stratigraphic methods. These new records of past relative sea-level (land level) changes will be compared to existing records to reconstruct the patterns, timing, and magnitude of strain accumulation and release during past Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquakes. The main responsibilities will be to develop new modern and fossil diatom datasets from Alaska-Aleutian coastal marshes and statistical and chronological models that allow reconstruction of the magnitude and timing of past relative sea-level (land level) changes at the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone. A further responsibility will be to prepare data, figures, and text for publication and to communicate the interim and final findings of the research at collaborator workshops and international science meetings.

This is a great opportunity to work as part of a friendly international team on a cutting-edge project. The PDRA will have access to outstanding resources including laboratory and microscope facilities and travel funding for conferences and collaboration.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in developing relative sea level and/or palaeoenvironmental reconstructions using diatom data and application of quantitative methods. Previous experience working in remote coastal environments would be an advantage.

The post is for a fixed term of 22 months. The project is time-limited and will end on 31/03/2028. Candidates will ideally be in role by April 1st 2026 and must be available for summer fieldwork in 2026 (an ~3 week field season between June and August)

Key responsibilities:

• To lead in the development of relative sea-level (land level) reconstructions from Alaska-Aleutian coastal marshes including fieldwork, laboratory and microscope work using diatoms, collection of material for dating and statistical analyses, and imaging and laboratory analyses of core sediments.
• To participate in international project meetings and workshops.
• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 22 months – the project is time limited, will end on 31/03/28 and funding is available for this fixed research period only.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st April 2026 and no later then 1st June 2026.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You'll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
• We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Our family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest-free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Leader status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Simon Engelhart ). All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you're experiencing to

Alternatively, you may call from the UK, or from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit

All applicants are asked to submit:

• a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.

Next Steps

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include the opportunity to give a short presentation on research experience and plans, and an interview. We anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days on a date to be confirmed.

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications

1. A good first degree in Geography, Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline.

2. A PhD (or be close to submission) in sea level, palaeoseismology, coastal science or a related subject.

Experience

1. Experience in conducting high quality academic research.

2. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.

3. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

4. Experience in using diatoms to reconstruct relative sea-level changes and/or palaeoenvironments.

5. Experience of research in sea-level science, palaeoseismology, or a related subject

Skills

1. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

2. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.

3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

4. Ability to conduct multi-week fieldwork in remote coastal settings

Desirable Criteria

Experience

1. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.

2. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.

3. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

4. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.

5. Experience in laboratory-based sediment analysis e.g., X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), imaging including Computerised Tomography (CT) and X-ray analyses, grain size, organic geochemistry.

6. Experience in additional microfossil groups that are relevant to the project (e.g., foraminifera).

Skills

1. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

2. Numerical skills in quantitative approaches to relative sea-level reconstructions including transfer functions