Please note that this position can be filled at Post-Doctoral or Senior Post-Doctoral level, depending on qualification and experience of the successful candidate.
2 Years, Fixed Term, whole-time Post
Position Summary:
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that the warming of the climate system is unequivocal and predicts that future changes in climate may lead to increased risk to critical infrastructure. In this context, the aim of the BRACE project, as part of the wider Met Éireann TRANSLATE project, is to create; i) advance the understanding of future extreme weather events in Ireland and ii) develop climate impact and risk assessments for various sectors in the form of risk-based decision support tools. It is intended that these initiatives will help in determining Ireland’s future climate risks and assist with climate adaptation planning. The advertised position is concerned with part ii) of the Translate Project i.e. risk-based decision support.
Risk tools can be used to establish the need for climate adaptation based on projected changes in future risks, and the effectiveness of adaptation strategies in reducing climate impacts to acceptable levels. Importantly, the risk approach facilitates incorporation of the high-level of uncertainty and variability associated with climate change, infrastructure performance, and socio-economic parameters. Approaches to risk assessment vary from qualitative to semi-quantitative to quantitative, with each stepped progression providing a greater level of information on which to base adaptation decisions. The proposed research will build upon the work in the previous two TRANSLATE phases through development of more detailed fully quantitative risk assessments, considering cross-sectoral aspects, and compounding/cascading events. This will be achieved in the context of Irish case studies with the critical infrastructure domains.
Role of Researcher:
The postdoctoral researcher will join a highly dynamic, international research team performing leading research in climate adaptation engineering, probabilistic assessment and GIS modelling. The researcher will primarily be based in University College Cork (UCC) but will also work with world-leading academics from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and the Irish Centre for High End Computing (ICHEC).
The following are the primary desirable candidate criteria:
1. A PhD in Engineering or similar discipline
2. Strong engineering and analytical skills
3. Computer modelling skills (i.e. MATLAB or Python)
4. A comprehensive understanding of statistics/statistical modelling
5. Backgrounds in probabilistic modelling and quantitative risk assessment would be an advantage,
6. A background in flood modelling or drainage system design/modelling would also be an advantage.
7. The successful candidate will be fluent in both written and spoken English
The primary duties for the post will include numerical modelling, risk analysis and project co-ordination. Publishing of papers in high-ranking academic journals will be a high priority.
It is noted that while the duration of this post is 24 months, extension of this duration is possible through securing further funding.
Achievement of the expected progression within Post Doc and Senior Post Doc is transferable between the Irish HEI’s. This can be reflected in the starting pay of a PD researcher. Similarly, as the PD scheme is an intergenerational training scheme completion of PD1 or PD 2 levels in one HEI will normally render that researcher ineligible for appointment at a similar level in another Irish HEI Researcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Project Title: BRACE: Building Resilience and Adaptation Capacity for future extreme Events.
Post Duration: 2 Years, whole-time Post