Faculty of Science
School of Environmental Sciences
Senior Research Associate in Volcano Seismology
Ref: RA2342
Salary on appointment will be £38,784 per annum, with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join a large team of investigators working on the UKRI NERC-funded Large Grant ‘Ex-X’ Expecting the Unexpected. Understanding ‘dangerous’ volcanic transitions. Ex-X seeks to deliver a step-change in how we understand and anticipate the dynamic drivers for the dangerous eruptive transitions associated with significant disruptions and fatalities. The project will use the volcanoes of the Eastern Caribbean as a focal point and, with our partners, plans to demonstrate how this knowledge can improve monitoring and warning systems in the Eastern Caribbean.
As a Senior Research Associate you will use new seismic data from a dense nodal deployment and machine learning techniques to interrogate volcano seismicity around La Soufrière St Vincent. You will transfer lessons from new data to the co-eruptive seismic record to elucidate eruptive processes and seismic source mechanisms during eruptive transitions. This will not only create significant new insights into changing volcanic behaviour but is also important to other elements of the project. You will work with members of the Ex-X team and partner agencies to parameterise and test new models and compare findings with petrological datasets and other geophysical evidence.
You will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, or a similar subject awarded or to be awarded within six months of appointment. You will also have experience of independent research, have publications in respected journals or equivalent within the field and be able to work in a proactive and results driven manner in a high paced environment. You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a team. Experience and skills in geophysical fieldwork, seismic data processing and machine learning would be advantageous.
This full-time post is available from 1 March 2026 on a fixed term basis for up to 36 months.
UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.
Benefits include:
- 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
- Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 27 October 2025
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.