Senior Research Associate In Ice Sheet Geodesy

Job Description We are seeking to recruit an independent, highly-motivated senior post-doctoral researcher to work on the ERC-selected grant The Greenland Subglacial Lake Observatory (GLOBE), at Lancaster University. We welcome applications from candidates with a background in satellite geodesy, including analysis of stereoscopic DEM’s, radar or laser altimetry, and InSAR; or with expertise in data science. Joining the UK’s Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (CPOM), and the Centre of Excellence in Environmental Data Science, you will work on the newly-funded GLOBE project (a successful ERC proposal; funded by UKRI under the Horizon Guarantee scheme). GLOBE aims to identify, monitor and forecast all subglacial lake activity beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet, and thereby transform our understanding of the dynamics, drivers and impacts of these elusive entities. This will be achieved through the use of high-resolution satellite datasets, unconventional data streams and a range of data science techniques, with the ultimate ambition of developing an Ice Sheet wide virtual subglacial lake observatory. The advertised post will be at the forefront of this ambitious 5-year programme of work, helping to lead the development of the satellite-based observatory, together with the scientific analysis and publication of the results. The precise responsibilities of the advertised post are flexible (and can be tailored to the skills of the successful applicant), but are likely to include (1) the design and implementation of a satellite-based system for monitoring Greenland subglacial lakes, which exploits high-volume DEM’s, (2) the integration of laser and radar altimetry with DEM’s to develop a unified system for quantifying Ice Sheet elevation change, and (3) the exploration of data science techniques to increase automation and predictive power within the overall observatory system. The successful applicant will also be given considerable opportunities to pursue their own related research ideas. They will benefit from dedicated support by technical staff, a generous budget to facilitate travel, and the opportunity to work on a project that places significant emphasis on high-risk, high-impact research. You will join our rapidly-growing group of polar researchers at Lancaster University, a research-intensive institution in the top 1% in the World. We use satellite observations, climate models and field measurements to study the cryosphere. You will also join CPOM, which provides strategic capability in polar satellite observation, and collaborates closely with the British Antarctic Survey and ESA. Preferred candidates will have a PhD or postdoctoral experience in satellite geodesy, geophysics, glaciology, astrophysics, computer science or data science. This is a full-time 2.5-year post, anticipated to start around April 2024, and with the option to extend for a further 2 years. Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Mal McMillan; m.mcmillan@lancaster.ac.uk.  Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based. Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.