19580BR
Cardiff School of Engineering
Research
Advert
This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.
Internal Applicants Only - Research and Innovation Associate (known as Postdoctoral Research Associate)
Cardiff School of Engineering
The EPSRC-funded SMART-H (SMART-Health-care facilities towards resilient, green, and
Sustainable Medical Systems) Project Addresses Climate-driven Risks In Malawi, Creating a Roadmap To Respond To Disasters And Health Crises In Medical Facilities. The Project Focuses On Three Key Strategies:
- Strengthening building resilience to ensure operational continuity during emergencies.
- Implementing green engineering solutions to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and improve indoor thermal performance.
- Promoting sustainable approaches to deliver high-quality, accessible care while reducing costs and improving affordability.
We are seeking a candidate with a PhD (or near completion) in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, aiming to develop an informed decision-support system (DSS) for mitigating the impacts of natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods, as well as addressing physical and energy vulnerabilities.
Applicants Should Demonstrate Proven Expertise In:
- Disaster risk assessment and the impacts of climate change, considering the interaction among multi-hazards (e.g., floods and earthquakes), vulnerability, and exposure.
- Numerical modelling and cost-benefit analyses of risk scenarios and mitigation strategies for enhancing adaptation to climate change and reducing risks.
- Disaster risk management and decision-support systems (DSS).
- Life cycle assessments and sustainability.
The successful candidate will work with Dr. Viviana Iris Novelli and the RESCOM team at Cardiff University, joining a vibrant community of researchers and PhD students. As a Research and Innovation Associate, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources from other schools across the university.
The role requires a willingness to travel to Malawi for field investigations and local workshops aimed at increasing awareness of disaster risk management and engaging with local stakeholders. Beyond technical research, this position offers opportunities to develop a wide range of skills, including digital and networking capabilities, public speaking, and creative communication. You will contribute to producing project outputs and disseminating them to the wider public, ensuring your work has a meaningful impact.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week), available from 1 April 2025 and is fixed term for 9 months or until 31 August 2026, whichever date is earliest.
Salary: £40,247 to £45,163 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above point 6.32 salary, £40,247 per annum.
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Viviana Novelli at Novelliv@cardiff.ac.uk
For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin/Chiara Riolo /Bev Jones at Enginadmin@cardiff.ac.uk
Closing date: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.
Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Job Description
Main Duties
To conduct research in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, aiming to develop an informed roadmap for mitigating the impacts of natural hazards, such as earthquakes and floods, as well as addressing physical and energetic vulnerabilities. This research will contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Research
- To conduct research within disaster risk management and governance and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
- To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
- To participate in School research activities.
- To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
Other
- To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications And Education
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i. Disaster risk assessment and climate change impacts, considering the interaction among multi-hazards (e.g. floods and earthquakes), vulnerability, and exposure.
ii. Numerical modelling and cost-benefit analyses of risk scenarios and mitigation strategies for enhancing adaptation to climate change and reducing risks.
iii. Disaster risk management and decision-support system (DSS)
iv. Life cycle assessments and sustainability
- Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
- Proven ability to publish in national/international journals / national/international conferences and/or other research outputs
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
Communication and Team Working
- Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
- Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
- Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
- Proven ability to work without close supervision
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant professional qualification(s)- if applicable please specify
- Evidence of collaborations with industry.
- Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
- Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
Additional Information
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance,
19580BR.
Salary Range Min.
40,247
Salary Range Max.
45,163
Job Category
Academic - Research
Grade
Grade 6
