RESEARCH FELLOW, SEISMIC RESEARCH CENTRE (VOLCANOLOGIST SPECIALISING IN GROUND DEFORMATION IN MONTSERRAT)

The University of the West Indies (St Augustine Campus), Trinidad & Tobago

RESEARCH FELLOW/JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW, SEISMIC RESEARCH CENTRE (VOLCANOLOGIST SPECIALISING IN GROUND DEFORMATION IN MONTSERRAT)

ACU Ref: 59134
Closing Date: 3 April 2012

Applications are invited to the post of Research Fellow (Volcanologist) at the Seismic Research Centre. The main function of the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) is to monitor seismic and volcanic activity in the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean and to provide accurate and timely advice to the governments of the region on all matters relating to these subjects. The SRC currently manages the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and this post is based at the MVO.

Qualifications/Experience:

Applicants should have a good degree in an earth science or relevant physical science subject and hold a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc or PhD in a relevant aspect of Physical Volcanology. Candidates should preferably have experience in the operation of geodetic measurement techniques, statistical and graphical analysis and computer programming. Knowledge of lava dome volume monitoring and other aspects of volcano monitoring would be highly beneficial. Experience in any of the following areas: (i) installing/running GPS, tilt and other geodetic instruments; (ii) writing data acquisition code; (iii) use of GAMIT/GLOBK in GPS processing (iv) use of Perl and shell script in computing and (v) numerical modelling particularly on volcanoes will be a distinct advantage. Experience in the use of InSAR would be an advantage. Prior work experience in a similar institute would be considered an asset.

Further information and requirements:

The position will be filled at the level of Research Fellow. For appointment at the level of Research Fellow a PhD in a relevant area of study (Volcanology/Geology/ Geophysics) is required. Candidates for the post who do not have a PhD are eligible for appointment at the level of Junior Research Fellow but will be expected to pursue an active research programme leading towards the award of this degree.

Personal Attributes:

The post involves working as part of a team and a significant amount of field work which is sometimes strenuous. Applicants should be physically in good health. The post also requires travel to Trinidad and may sometimes require travel to other islands of the Eastern Caribbean. Good communication skills are necessary; of particular importance is the ability to communicate science to non-scientists. A good command of English is absolutely essential. A valid driver’s permit, or willingness to acquire one rapidly, would be extremely useful.

Applications (two copies) should be sent to the Campus Registrar, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, Fax No. 1-868-663-9684. Full CV and application forms which must be completed fully and can be obtained at the above address and at http://www.sta.uwi.edu must be submitted. The names and addresses of three referees (one of whom should be from your present organization) must be indicated. In order to expedite the appointment procedures, applicants are advised to ask their referees to send references under CONFIDENTIAL cover DIRECTLY to the Campus Registrar at the above address without waiting to be contacted by the University.

This position will be available from 1 June 2012.

The successful candidate will be offered an initial one year contract.

Persons interested in this post are strongly advised to visit our websites at http://www.uwiseismic.com and http://www.mvo.ms/ to learn more about the seismic and volcanic activity in the Lesser Antilles and the operations of the SRC and MVO.


FULL CONSIDERATION DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 March 2012