Research and Development Post Graduate Engineer KTP

The successful applicant will be joining Cardiff University, one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities, as a Research and Development Post Graduate Engineer or Scientist (also known as a KTP Associate). This post is funded through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme and is designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from the University research team to Natural Resources Wales. The KTP Associate will be employed by Cardiff University, but based primarily at Natural Resources Wales working closely with staff in both organisations. The role will act as a vital conduit between these two Wales-based partners, supporting the translation of academic research into practical application and organisational impact. The successful candidate will play a key role in transferring academic knowledge relating to nature-based solutions for flood risk management to our regulatory partner. The primary aim is to support the transition from traditional engineered flood defences towards distributed Natural Flood Management (NFM) approaches. Achieving this will require not only the transfer of technical expertise, but also active facilitation of organisational change within the public sector. Specifically, the successful applicant will: (i) Co-design and deploy a monitoring sensor network to quantify the hydrological and hydraulic impacts of NFM at a live test site; (ii) Apply flood modelling tools and techniques to identify and evaluate realistic NFM opportunities; (iii) Conduct economic assessments to capture the full value and co-benefits of NFM measures; (iv) Develop a roadmap to support organisational transformation within the public sector. This two-year position provides an exceptional opportunity for the person to develop technical and operational management skills, while contributing directly to the future of sustainable, nature-based flood risk management in Wales., Research and Organisational Project Delivery

• To transfer technical expertise to Nature Resources Wales, informing new strategies for estimating NFM potential in flood risk management schemes.
• To co-design and deploy a monitoring sensor network to quantify NFM impact at a live test site.
• To gain a full appreciation of existing practices for evaluating traditional flood defences and develop a new roadmap for NFM schemes to support organisational transformation.
• To effectively communicate new approaches to NFM scheme design and evaluation and transfer knowledge to both internal and external audiences.
Internal & External Interaction
• To ensure that the Local Management Committee (LMC), Academic and Industrial Supervisors, and all other relevant colleagues are kept fully appraised of developments, undertakings and issues with respect to project developments.
• To actively integrate in committees both at the industrial and academic partners.
Compliance
• To comply with the contractual expectations at Cardiff University, and the local practices at Natural Resources Wales., To prepare papers including an internal progress report and financial update, for the quarterly Local Management Committee
• To report to both the academic and industrial based supervisors at least every two weeks, ensuring that the team remain up to date with all technical and commercial activities
• To continue to seek opportunities to author high quality research publications, and protect any novel intellectual property.
Other
• To participate where appropriate in Natural Resource Wales and University administration, and any reasonable activities that promote either party or their work to the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
  
  1. Achieved, or being close to achieving, a postgraduate or PhD degree aligned to civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, biological sciences or environmental sciences.
Knowledge Skills and Experience 2. A proven track record in detailed scientific research, including conducting experiments and experimental design and publishing academic work. 3. Expertise of working in interdisciplinary research, ideally relevant to rivers, free surface flows and the aquatic environment. 4. Practical ability in setting up and testing equipment or sensors in a laboratory or field setting. 5. To be both self-driven and so demonstrate effective and efficient independent working, whilst also leading the Research & Development strategy and team. 6. Proven communication skills, including effectively transfer knowledge to non-experts in a public setting, public sector or wider stakeholder networks. Specific Qualities 7. A flexible approach to working hours, with a willingness and ability to attend occasional evening functions and spend occasional nights away from home. Desirable criteria 1. Experience of working in industry or with government organisations. 2. Experience of ground-truthing lab or field equipment. 3. Experience of using post-processing software to analyse experimental or field data including statistical analysis. 4. Experience of using hydraulic modelling software or GIS software. 5. Experience of using graphics software packages to communicate information in publications. 6. Holds a full driving licence.

Research and Development Post Graduate Engineer (KTP Associate) - Shaping the Future of Nature-based Flood Risk Management in Wales, 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, Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements., Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

This post is full time (37 hours per week) for a fixed term period of 24 months. Fixed Salary: An appointment is expected to be made between £42,662 and £47,000 per annum depending on experience.