Postdoctoral Research Associate

Durham, North East England, United Kingdom Durham University Working at Durham University

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The Role and Department

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in experimental earthquake mechanics to join the NERC-funded project "The Nucleation of Intermediate and Large Earthquakes", led by a team of researchers at Durham and Oxford University in collaboration with international partners. The project builds on a multidisciplinary approach combining laboratory experiments, observations of natural earthquakes and numerical modelling to develop new insights into earthquake nucleation.

The successful PDRA applicant will lead and contribute to laboratory experiments that investigate earthquake nucleation and examine how fault heterogeneities influence the transition from slow slip to dynamic rupture. In addition, the PDRA will engage with the Oxford team to compare and integrate the seismological observations with the laboratory results. The research has potential impact on earthquake hazard mitigation, including early warning and probabilistic forecasting.

The PDRA will be hosted by Durham University, Department of Earth Sciences, reporting to Prof. Stefan Nielsen.

The position offers an opportunity to broaden scientific expertise, develop new technical and collaborative skills, and build an international research profile while accessing highly specialised facilities and expertise.

Key responsibilities:

Core research responsibilities

• Design, conduct and analyse laboratory experiments addressing the project's research objectives, including developing experimental methods where appropriate.
• Process, interpret and manage research data, and contribute to integrating laboratory results with seismological observations and numerical modelling.
• Plan and manage research activities and resources, working independently and collaboratively to deliver project objectives and deadlines.
• Develop and disseminate high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and stakeholder contributions.
• Contribute to the development of research objectives, methods and future research proposals.
• Work collaboratively with project investigators, research colleagues, technical staff and international partners, developing networks and opportunities for future collaboration.
• Contribute to the training and supervision of students, peers and visitors in relevant research techniques.
• Work with technical staff on laboratory activities, including equipment development, maintenance and improvement where appropriate.

Wider responsibilities
• Communicate research findings effectively to academic, non-academic and stakeholder audiences.
• Contribute to a collegial, inclusive and respectful working environment and to the wider activities and citizenship of the Department and University.
• Undertake relevant continuing professional development, including training, teaching and other activities that support career development.
• Contribute to student assessment and supervision, as appropriate to the role and experience.

This post is fixed term for two years as dictated by the project funding agreement. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by January 2027.

The post-holder is employed to work on research which will be led by the Durham project lead. 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.

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