Research Associate in Glaciology

The role

We seek a post doctoral research associate in field glaciology to plan and execute glaciological and geophysical exploration of active subglacial lakes beneath Isunnguata Sermia, West Greenland, as part of a NERC project – Subglacial Lakes at Isunnguata Sermia: Dyanmics and Evolution [SLIDE]. SLIDE aims to investigate the influence of fast-draining subglacial lakes on the hydrology and dynamics of the Greenland Ice Sheet. We seek someone with glaciological field experience and competence in sensor design, electronic and electrical engineering (or willingness to learn).

The recent discovery of hundreds of active (fast-draining) subglacial lakes beneath the ablation zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) suggests that they are a significant component of the subglacial hydrological system. These lakes are highly dynamic features that are fed by surface meltwater inputs and can drain rapidly (weeks vs. months to years for Antarctica) with high discharges. However, the key processes controlling subglacial lake formation and dynamics in Greenland, and their wider impact on basal hydrology and ice flow are poorly understood. The project will address this issue by carrying out the first field-based study of multiple fast-draining subglacial lakes beneath Isunnguata Sermia, west Greenland.

The research associate will take part in fieldwork in Greenland and lead the experimental deployment of ‘Cryoegg’ sensors into the subglacial drainage system to reveal changing meltwater temperature, pressure and electrical conductivity beneath the ice. These parameters will be used to interpret how surface inputs impact the englacial and subglacial drainage system, and how transient storage in subglacial lakes impacts our understanding of glacier hydrology. You will benefit from the expertise and support of a team of academics and other postdoctoral researchers, led by Stephen Livingstone at Sheffield University. The position will be based in Bristol, supervised by Liz Bagshaw. You will collaborate closely with additional colleagues at Sheffield (Andrew Sole, Sam Doyle), Sheffield Hallam (Rob Storrar), Leeds (Adam Booth), Newcastle (Neil Ross), Liverpool John Moores (Laura Edwards) and Cardiff (Sammie Buzzard, Mike Prior-Jones).

What will you be doing?

Research Responsibilities

• Work to achieve project objectives by conducting research in an appropriate timescale, including managing time, and working flexibly and independently.
• Carry out any necessary training in field safety and geophysical and geographical techniques that will be used in the project. These will include UAV surveys, deployment of hydrological monitoring instrumentation and experimental deployment of novel wireless instruments.
• With help from the wider project team, help to organise and deliver field seasons to Greenland in 2023 and 2024.
• Take a leading role in the field seasons, planning and coordinating experiments to monitor the active subglacial lakes, the wider hydrological system and the ice dynamics, with support from the wider project team. This will require you to live and work for prolonged periods in a harsh and remote environment and to travel safely across a crevassed outlet glacier.
• Analyse and integrate data from each field season and combine with the findings from other project members

Administration Responsibilities

• Attend team and project meetings as required
• Contribute to the preparation of papers for journals/presentations at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• Contribute to logistical delivery of Greenland field seasons

You should apply if

Essential

• Experience of glaciological research, ideally with an interest in ice sheet or glacier hydrology
• Glaciological field experience and willingness to conduct further fieldwork as appropriate to your abilities
• Confidence in applying electrical/electronic engineering methods to glaciological problems

Desirable

• Mountaineering skills and/or confidence in rope safety for glacier travel and work around moulins
• Experience of project management
• Track record of publishing in high quality scientific journals

• Experience with embedded software on microcontrollers at any level (e.g. Arduino, PIC or STM32) and general software engineering skills
• Experience with CAD or other mechanical design software
• Experience with RF or wireless systems and/or antenna design

• Ability to work independently to solve scientific problems
• Experience of mission planning, operation of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle with data capture and processing of data using e.g. Agisoft Metashape or Pix4D
• Experience in sensor design or deployment in extreme environments
• 
  

  Relevant Qualifications

  
  

  Essential

  • PhD in relevant discipline
  
  

  Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  
  

  Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work across a multi-disciplinary team
  • Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills
  
  

  Desirable

  • Track record of presenting scientific research to different audiences
  • Evidence of ability to participate in and develop internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance research activities
  • Ability to support others working in the research team, in the field and in the office or lab

Additional information

For informal enquiries contact: Liz Bagshaw, liz.bagshaw@bristol.ac.uk

Available documents

• Further Particulars - School of Geographical Sciences 22-23.pdf
• ACAD106849 Research Associate in Glaciology JD.pdf