The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) is part of UHI North Highland. Located in Thurso, on the north coast of Scotland, the ERI is close to many outstanding marine resources with excellent proximity to marine energy sites for research and innovation opportunities. Sustainable use of these wind, wave and tidal stream resources is key to achieving ambitious Scottish and international renewable energy targets.
We are recruiting for a Research Fellow in Renewable Energy and the Environment to join our multi-disciplinary group working to advance understanding of the biophysical interactions of marine and offshore renewable energy with the environment. This permanent (open-ended) position seeks contribution to existing projects, to complement or diversify existing strengths, and become the next wave of leadership informing sustainable use of our oceans.
Coordinated and scalable marine sensing and measurement systems are vital to increased understanding of our seas. Activities will support existing projects including PREDICT and PELAgIO focusing on offshore wind, and a wide diversity of projects on wave and tidal steam energy, as well as expanding our portfolio of projects. The researcher will benefit from the purpose-built ‘Centre for Energy and the Environment’ in Thurso, comprising modern offices, instrumentation and electronics laboratories, workshops, and access to the Pentland Firth via ERI’s research boat ‘Aurora’.
Activities will focus on development of advanced algorithms and automated processing techniques, including sensor fusion, active acoustic data (echosounder, multibeam imaging sonar), exploring options for computer vision (optical cameras), with concurrent co-collection of environmental data.
Previous multi-sensor platforms include FLOWBEC-4D with various applications. Recent technological advances now provide an opportunity to develop next-generation sensor platforms, ultimately informing future distributed, scalable and coordinated ocean sensing.
Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent research experience, a strong analytical background, and interest in marine ecosystems and offshore renewable energy. A background in Computer Science, Informatics, Applied Mathematics, Oceanography, Ocean Technology, or similar discipline e.g., relevant skills from Physics / Engineering / Quantitative Environmental Science / Signal Processing are desirable.
Desirable skills and experience include data analysis, algorithm development, ideally with experience in hydroacoustics / imaging sonar processing / computer vision or marine environmental, biophysical, oceanographic sensing / sensor fusion.
Multi-disciplinary experience, knowledge of programming languages such as MATLAB or Python, and a full driving license are desirable.
Experience can be exemplified by:
- Research outputs (papers, presentations, etc.)
- Research grants and/or knowledge exchange and innovation activity
- Contributing to postgraduate supervision
- Commercial or consultancy activity
Informal enquires can be made to Dr Benjamin Williamson, leader of the ERI’s ‘Energy’ research group: benjamin.williamson@uhi.ac.uk
This is an open-ended appointment (subject to probationary period).
Closing date for applications Friday 3 February 2023. Interviews are planned for 15 February 2023 onwards.
Full details are available in the Recruitment Pack.
The ERI’s Strategic Plan is provided as an attachment.
Application Form and Personal Details Form
Please note, we are also advertising for Research Fellow in Marine Sensing, alongside this post.