Field Geophysicist
BGS MULTI-HAZARDS & RESILIENCE CHALLENGE AREA
Location: This role is based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham
Grade: UKRI Pay Band C
Salary: salary range is £25,702 to £27,938 (depending on qualifications and experience)
Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available including a small amount of remote working, however, flexibility will be required as fieldwork activities, lab work, meetings and other externally controlled events will take priority)
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 11th June 2023
Please note that internal UKRI applicants will currently be subject to the UKRI Pay & Reward Policy & Guidance to determine their starting salary
A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Field Geophysicist to join the BGS Multi-hazards & Resilience (MHR) challenge area at our Headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham.
You will be joining a well-established and dynamic team of researchers with a world-leading track record in the development of geophysical methods for monitoring complex near-surface earth systems and processes.
We have a strong focus on geohazard research, and have active projects concerned with landslide characterisation and monitoring, geo-energy, infrastructure monitoring, groundwater-surface water interactions, permafrost, nuclear waste disposal, mine waste and contaminant transport problems.
The successful candidate will support and extend our existing activities in the field and in the laboratory, with a strong focus on operating and maintaining our international geophysical observatory network for monitoring landslides as well as installing new monitoring infrastructure to underpin MHR science and other BGS challenge areas.
There will be a very significant UK and overseas fieldwork component to the role. The post holder will also contribute to the further development of geophysical technology platforms (e.g. BGS PRIME technology) with the aim of automating 4D data capture, processing and visualisation for field observatories and laboratory programmes.
About you
With a degree in environmental/engineering/near-surface geophysics or a related subject (awarded or close to completion), and a keen interest in fieldwork, you should have the specialist skills, knowledge, and ability to apply geophysical methods (particularly field-based long-term geoelectrical monitoring) to a wide range of geoscience problems.
This will include the ability to install, operate and maintain geophysical instrumentation (after receiving the appropriate training), undertake field surveys, laboratory experiments or computer simulations, measure and manage data and contribute to analysis and interpretation.
Although not essential, knowledge of and practical experience with other geophysical methods (e.g. gravity, magnetics, EM, seismics) would be highly desirable.
We are looking for a candidate who holds both a passport and a full driving licence and is enthusiastic to travel widely, both within the UK and overseas, given that many of our projects are field-based and include international partners. You will possess very good communication skills, both verbal and written, and will be expected to assist with team publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
The post requires you to be self-sufficient and well-organised, but it also involves a significant degree of team working – therefore you should be able to work effectively with colleagues, in a strongly multidisciplinary environment, and have great time management skills.
Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.
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.
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 CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.
A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet 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 11th June 2023. Interviews are expected to be held in early July 2023 in Nottingham.
Field Geophysicist: Skills Specification
Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ Stage
Qualifications
Essential
- University degree in applied geophysics or a related subject (awarded or close to completion) (S&I)
- Full driving licence (S&I)
Desirable
- Previous work experience in a geophysics-related role (S&I)
- Working towards Chartered status (I)
Experience
Essential
- Experience in the use (measurement, modelling, and interpretation) of near surface geoelectrical methods (S&I)
- Experience in the use of other near-surface geophysical methods (S&I)
- Experience of undertaking geophysical research tasks/field campaigns (S&I)
- Implementation of geophysical experiments in the field and the lab (S&I)
Desirable
- Knowledge of less mainstream geophysical techniques (I)
- Experience in the deployment and operation of geoelectrical monitoring systems (S&I)
- Supervisory experience (S&I)
- International experience (S&I)
Knowledge
Essential
- Geophysical (and geoelectrical) methods for near-surface characterisation and monitoring (S&I)
- Laboratory geophysical techniques (I)
- Basic electronics and engineering knowledge (I)
- Scientific programming (S&I)
- Experienced user of office software (MS-Office or equivalent) (S&I)
Desirable
- Code development, preferably using Python or Matlab (I)
- Use of commercial or open-source geophysical modelling and inversion code (S&I)
- Use of visualisation software (I)
Skills & abilities
Essential
- Ability to work unsupervised (S&I)
- Excellent practical field-based problem-solving skills (S&I)
- Organisational talent, diligence, and attention to detail (S&I)
- Ability to prioritise work and meet tight timescales (S&I)
- Good presentation skills (I)
- Flexible and proactive approach to work (I)
Desirable
- Practical skills in trades relevant to geophysical fieldwork and/or advanced DIY skills (I)
- High level of dexterity (I)
- Ability to think on their feet/make decisions (I)
Personal qualities
Essential
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic and an excellent team worker (I)
- Flexible, willing, and able to travel for fieldwork and meetings (I)
- Willing to give presentations and write reports (I)
- Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the work of BGS and our core values of impact, impartiality, and knowledge (S&I)
- You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)
Desirable
- Approachable and friendly (I)
- Personable and patient, yet assertive when dealing with collaborators, contractors, and the public (I)
Motivation
Essential
- Demonstrates curiosity and a drive to research and solve scientific and technical problems (S&I)
- Displays an enthusiasm for their work and a desire to develop this further (I)
- Demonstrates an interest in their own Continuing Professional Development (S&I)
Desirable
- Demonstrates an awareness of and interest in the work of BGS, NERC and UKRI (S&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
UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
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.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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.