LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
UCL INSTITUTE FOR RISK AND DISASTER REDUCTION
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
DIRECTOR: PROFESSOR PETER SAMMONDS
IRDR Post-Doctoral Research Associate
The UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR) is a cross-UCL Institute, which
aims to lead research, knowledge exchange and advanced teaching in the area of risk
and disaster reduction (RDR). By providing a focus for UCL’s RDR activities, with its
breadth of disciplinary emphasis, promotion of novel multidisciplinary research and
translation into practice, the Institute aims to assume a role of leadership in RDR both in
the UK and internationally. The Institute is hosted in the Faculty of Mathematics and
Physical Sciences, but operates across all UCL’s faculties, spanning earth and space
sciences, statistics, engineering and global health and contributes to UCL’s Grand
Challenges. The IRDR runs two masters programmes, an MRes and MSc with about 25
students, and has a research student population of about 20.
We are seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work in the
IRDR, (i) on a collaborative European research project “Foresight Tools for Responding to
Cascading effects in a Crisis” (FORTRESS) [50% time], (ii) develop other IRDR projects
such as an RDR academic network and organise public RDR events and, (iii) lecture to
masters’ students in RDR and supervise student projects [50% time]. The PDRA will work
closely with the UCL FORTRESS Principal Investigator, IRDR professor for Risk and
Disaster Reduction, David Alexander and other staff and researchers in the IRDR, and
with practitioners and researchers within the FORTRESS project. The FORTRESS is a European Commission FP7 project aimed at better understanding of
the cascading effect in crisis situations in order to improve future response and
preparedness and contribute to lower damages, led by the Technische Universität Berlin.
The IRDR leads on the knowledge review of problem structuring and the conceptual
model; on balancing vulnerability and resilience, by reviewing current knowledge about
the concept of vulnerability, threats and risks and resilience; and on reconstruction of
crises and crises decision processes by running a multi-stakeholder workshop; and
contributes to dissemination of research. The IRDR contributes also to other tasks which
are related to the review of past crises, the structure of decision making process and the
scenario building process. A UCL PhD student also works with the FORTRESS project.
The post-holder would also teach on established modules in risk and disaster reduction
within the IRDR MSc Risk, Disaster and Resilience programme and supervise masters
‘students projects. The post-holder would develop an RDR academic network and in
particular produce a third annual workshop in the summer and organise a secretariat. The
post-holder would organise IRDR public events. Immediately, this means co-producing a
public event at the UNISDR World Conference in Sendai, Japan, in March and an
associated public event at UCL.
This full-time position is funded for 12 months in the first instance, and a further one
year’s funding to support the post may be available and would be held in the IRDR.
Working on a part time basis can be considered for a minimum of 20 hours per week. If
the appointment is made on a part-time basis, the funding period will be extended
accordingly to the FTE. The post requires international travel for research, knowledge
exchange and attending meetings.
UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
Tel: +44 (0)2031081101 Email: irdr-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk Homepage: www.ucl.ac.uk/rdr/
IRDR Office: Rm 38, 2nd floor, South Wing, Wilkins Building, UCL Main Quadrangle
JOB DESCRIPTION
Academic Unit: Title: Reports to: Grade: Salary:
Post type: UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction
Research Associate
Principal Investigator
7
Full-time. (A fractional appointment would be considered.)
Function of the Post:
The post-holder will pursue research of international quality into the better understanding
of the cascading effect in crisis situations in order to improve future response and
preparedness and contribute to lower damages. This will include conducting a knowledge
review of problem structuring and the conceptual model, and a knowledge review into
balancing vulnerability and resilience; run a multi-stakeholder workshop on reconstruction
of crises and crisis decision processes; working in tasks coordinated by our partners
undertaking, for example, interviews with stakeholders or supporting the
scenario building process.The post-holder would assist in managing the UCL component
of FORTRESS. The post-holder should disseminate results through publication in highprofile refereed journals. S/he will aim to maximise the impact of the research and transfer
of knowledge working closely with partners and with collaborators at UCL. The postholder would teach on established modules in risk and disaster reduction within the IRDR
and supervise masters’ students projects. The post-holder would develop a risk and
disaster reduction academic network and in particular produce a third annual workshop
and organise a secretariat and website. The post-holder would organise IRDR public
events. Immediately, this means co-producing a public event at the UNISDR World
Conference in Sendai, Japan, in March and an associated public event at UCL.
Essential criteria:
Demonstrated ability to pursue internationally excellent research A record of published research in peer-reviewed journals
A PhD in risk and disaster reduction, or equivalent experience
Strengths in informing the public on issues in risk and disaster reduction
Excellent organisational skills
Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English.
Desirable criteria:
Scientific computing skills, including GIS and web skills
Readiness to maximise impact of research through knowledge exchange
Experience of lecturing and supervising student projects
General knowledge of decision support systems.
Essential personal qualities:
The successful applicant should have strong interpersonal and team working skills
and be able to adapt to working in different cultural and social contexts. All UCL staff should be committed to UCL’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability
to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds
and comply with health and safety regulations
Contractual details:
The position will be available from 1st February 2015. The successful applicant will be
subject to the usual UCL probationary procedures.
Application procedure:
Please apply online at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs/ quoting reference number 1448453.
Further information may be obtained from Dr Rosanna Smith, Deputy Director, IRDR
(rosanna.smith@ucl.ac.uk). More information about the IRDR can be found at
www.ucl.ac.uk/rdr/.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge – including Qualifications
Completing or completed PhD in risk and disaster reduction or associated subject. (A completing PhD candidate would be appointed at Grade 6.)
Knowledge of research methods in risk and disaster reduction.
Skills
Ability to manage a European research project
Ability to conduct independent research in risk and disaster reduction
Ability to analyse and interpret scientific data
Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to use data analysis and presentation software, including GIS and web site
development.
Experience
Expected to have gained an independent research reputation in risk and disaster
reduction, or related subject, with evidence of completed, published research in a high
quality journal
Experience of working collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team and interact
effectively with international partners.
Personal Qualities
Commitment to high quality research Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team
Commitment to UCL’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously
with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds