Research Associate in Numerical Modelling of Conduit Flow

Manchester University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Research Associate in Numerical Modelling of Conduit Flow for a 42-month postdoctoral role starting in November 2025. The successful candidate will develop and validate complex models related to volcanic eruptions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across various esteemed institutions. This hybrid role emphasizes equality and diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Family-friendly policies

Support for work-life balance

Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience in numerical modelling is preferred.
• Strong background in volcanic processes and geophysics.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate models for conduit flow of volcanic eruptions.
• Collaborate with various university departments and teams.
• Publish findings and contribute to project objectives.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Time-dependent modelling

Collaboration with project teams

Research skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Research Associate in Numerical Modelling of Conduit Flow

A Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment in numerical modelling of volcanic conduit flow is available from November 2025 for 42 months in the framework of the newly funded NERC Large Grant project ‘Expecting the Unexpected: Understanding “Dangerous” Volcanic Transitions (Ex‑X)’.

The PDRA will be based in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, working under the joint supervision of Prof Mike Burton and Dr Chris Johnson at Manchester and Dr Giuseppe La Spina (INGV Catania, Italy). The PDRA will collaborate with the wider Ex‑X project team, led by Prof Jenni Barclay, on coupled conduit‑plume modelling with Prof Jeremy Philipps and Dr Mark Woodhouse (University of Bristol), integration with geophysics with Dr Jessica Johnson and Dr Richard Herd (University of East Anglia), integration with petrology with Prof Pyle on petrology (University of Oxford) and ground‑truthing with volcanological deposits with Prof Paul Cole (University of Plymouth). Ex‑X will work closely with Volcano Observatory partners in the Caribbean.

The purpose of the role is to develop, implement, test and validate time‑dependent conduit flow models to investigate the physical drivers of rapid eruptive transitions under varying pressure, temperature, volatile and crystallisation conditions. These models will be coupled with time‑dependent magma reservoir and eruption column models, producing results which can be directly compared with field data from explosive eruptions in the Caribbean.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The Department holds a Bronze Award which recognises our good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family‑friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work‑life balance.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

We are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [e-mail]. Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Prof Mike Burton – [e-mail]
Dr Chris Johnson – [e-mail]

General enquiries:
Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.