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Geomagnetic Scientist

UKRI – NERC – BGS

Location: This role is based at the BGS offices in Edinburgh, which are situated on the Heriot-Watt University campus

Salary: salary range is £31,931 to £34,709 (depending on qualifications and experience)

Grade: UKRI – Band D

Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of hybrid/remote working in line with BGS policy)

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 19th February 2023

A great benefits package is offered!, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced Geomagnetic Scientist to join the BGS Multi-hazards & Resilience (MHR) challenge area at our offices in Edinburgh.

The Geomagnetism Capability www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk undertakes long-term monitoring of the Earth’s magnetic field through the operation of magnetic observatories in the UK and overseas. We use worldwide land, marine, airborne and satellite data to make global models describing how the Earth's magnetic field changes in space and time and what that reveals about physical processes within the solid Earth. We also research the magnetic field changes in satellite and observatory data that result from space weather and solar activity.

We apply our science in:

  • Precision navigation for societal and industrial applications.
  • Studying the impact of space weather on ground-based technology and our environment.
  • Furthering the academic understanding of physical processes of the Earth.

The key duties/responsibilities you will undertake in this post include:

  • Compute regular updates to several global geomagnetic field models using the BGS High Performance Cluster and other scientific computing hardware.
  • Undertake algorithm development to fulfil BGS’s commitment to the European Space Agency Swarm satellite scientific exploitation consortium.
  • Undertake scientific research into the Earth’s natural magnetic fields leading to improved modelling and understanding of their sources.
  • Prepare magnetic navigation data sets for delivery of BGS magnetic referencing services to industry.
  • Provide IT support for a range of activities within the Geomagnetism science area.
  • Pursue a programme of continuing professional development as a scientific researcher.

About you

We are looking for candidates with a PhD in geophysics, space science, physics, mathematics, or a similar relevant subject area or have substantial equivalent post-graduate level work experience in a scientific or other research environment.

You will ideally be able to demonstrate some knowledge of geomagnetism and geophysical inverse theory. Furthermore, scientific programming skills in at least two languages are essential, with experience of High-Performance Computer (HPC) programming highly desirable. This post will really suit a self-motivated person with excellent communication skills and who is willing to be an active team-player as well as being able to work independently.

The position will be based in the BGS’s Edinburgh office and candidates should be able to attend this office during normal working hours. The post will require you to be able to travel occasionally, both nationally and internationally for meetings and conferences.

Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to inform government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites: a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham, and the Lyell Centre, which is a collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations, has close links with 40 universities, and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application addressing the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

Please apply online, if you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 19th February 2023. Interviews are expected to be held in early March 2023 in Edinburgh.

Geomagnetic Scientist: Skills Specification

Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ Stage

Qualifications

Essential

  • PhD in geophysics, space science, physics or mathematics, or similar relevant subject area, or substantial equivalent post-graduate level work experience in a scientific or other research environment (S)

Desirable

  • Research qualification or work experience that includes aspects of geomagnetism (S&I)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in analysing scientific datasets and presenting scientific results (S&I)
  • Experience in scientific computer programming (S&I)

Desirable

  • Experience in analysing geomagnetic data from satellites and observatories (S)
  • Formally or informally leading or managing others (S&I)

Knowledge

Essential

  • Working knowledge of at least two scientific computing languages or packages (e.g. FORTRAN, C, Java, Python, Matlab) (S&I)
  • Knowledge of mathematics as applied in geophysics (S&I)

Desirable

  • High Performance Computing skills (S)

Skills & abilities

Essential

  • Good English: verbal, written and presentational skills (S&I)
  • Ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines (I)
  • Demonstrate ability to solve problems (I)

Desirable

  • Peer-reviewed or other scientific publications (S)
  • Ability to train others (S)

Personal qualities

Essential

  • Able to express themselves clearly and concisely in both written and oral form (I)
  • Ability to travel occasionally, both nationally and internationally (S&I)

Desirable

  • Approachable by colleagues and external contacts and a good team worker (I)

Motivation

Essential

  • Displays an enthusiasm for scientific and applied aspects of geomagnetism (S&I)
  • Ability to work unsupervised, making appropriate decisions and know when to consult others (I)
  • Demonstrates an interest in Continuing Professional Development (S&I)
  • Demonstrates self-motivation (I)

About The British Geological Survey (BGS)

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts. 

BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year. 

How to Apply 

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for BGS and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered. You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and covering letter and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 

About UKRI 

Launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). 

Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org. 

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’ 

Disability Confident Employer 

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

Additional Information

  • Organisation: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - British Geological Survey
  • Contract Type: Open Ended
  • External Closing Date: Feb 19, 2023
  • Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 31,931
  • Hours: Full-time
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Confirmed 6 hours ago. Posted 30+ days ago.

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