Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
October 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow in Volcano Seismology
Post number:
Academic Unit/Service:
Ocean and Earth Science
Career pathway:
ERE*
*ERE category:
Research focused
Posts responsible to:
Dr Derek Keir
Level:
4
Posts responsible for:
Post base:
Office-based with limited non office based work (fieldwork)
Job purpose
To use a combination of earthquake locations and focal mechanism determination to characterise the
deformation, fluid pathways, and stress changes of volcano through time. Initial analysis will include
implementation of automated techniques for earthquake detection and location.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
To develop and carry out an area of personal research. Process, model and interpret the
40
seismic data; the interpretation will involve liaising with other researchers on the project to
obtain additional information, particularly from InSAR, MT, and gravity.
2.
Regularly disseminate findings by taking the lead in preparing publication materials for 15
referred journals, presenting results at conferences, or exhibiting work at other
appropriate events. Contribute to RiftVolc project meetings and liase with project partners
in the UK, Ethiopia and internationally.
3.
Contribute to the writing of bids for research funding.
10
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
4.
Plan and undertake field campaigns in the Main Ethiopian Rift to collect seismic data.
10
5.
Collaborate/work on original research tasks with colleagues in other institutions.
5
6.
Carry out administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, for example risk 5
assessment of research activities, organisation of project meetings and documentation.
Implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting and
financial control.
7.
Supervise the work of junior research staff.
5
8.
Carry out occasional undergraduate supervision, demonstrating or lecturing duties within
own area of expertise, under the direct guidance of a member of departmental academic
staff.
5
9.
Undertake some small administrative responsibility within the academic unit, research 5
group or RiftVolc project (for example, organization of seminars, a session at a RiftVolc
meeting, outreach event or social media
Field logistics, including arranging shipping, export and import (in conjunction with
colleagues at Addis Ababa University), field permits, vehicle hire, field assistants, data
quality control, and being responsible for the field budget.
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)



Direct responsibility to holder of research award or academic supervisor.
May have additional reporting and liaison responsibilities to external funding bodies or sponsors.
May be asked to serve on a relevant Academic Unit committee, for example research committee.
Collaborators/colleagues in other work areas and institutions
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications,
knowledge &
experience
PhD or equivalent professional
qualifications and experience in
passive seismology
Knowledge of extensional tectonics
Detailed understanding and
knowledge of seismicity and seismic
imaging at volcanoes
Experience of field deployment and
management of seismic equipment
How to be
assessed
CV,
application,
interview
Teaching at undergraduate level and
contributing to teaching at
postgraduate level
Planning &
organising
Able to organise own research
activities to deadline and quality
standards
CV,
application,
interview
Problem solving
& initiative
Able to develop understanding of
complex problems and apply indepth knowledge to address them
CV,
application,
interview
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Able to develop original
techniques/methods
Management &
teamwork
Able to supervise work of junior
research staff, delegating effectively
CV,
application,
interview
Able to contribute to Academic Unit
management and administrative
processes
Work effectively in a team,
understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of others to help
teamwork development
Communicating
& influencing
Communicate new and complex
information effectively, both verbally
and in writing, engaging the interest
and enthusiasm of the target
audience
CV,
application,
interview
Able to present research results at
group meetings and conferences
Able to write up research results for
publication in leading peer-viewed
journals
Work proactively with colleagues in
other work areas/institutions,
contributing specialist knowledge to
achieve outcomes
Other skills &
behaviours
Understanding of relevant Health &
Safety issues
CV,
application,
interview
Positive attitude to colleagues and
students
Special
requirements
Document1
Able to attend national and
international conferences to present
research results
CV,
application,
interview
3
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
OFFICE-BASED POST
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU) no further information needs to
be supplied.
NON-OFFICE BASED POST
If this post has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the
analysis below.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:

Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
x
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
x
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
x
Standing for prolonged periods
x
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
x
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
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