Senior Research Associate in Volcanic Plume Modelling

The role

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Associate (SRA) position to join a large team of investigators working on the UKRI NERC-funded Large Grant ‘Ex-X’ Expecting the Unexpected. Understanding ‘dangerous’ volcanic transitions’. This project aims to characterise and model time-dependent changes in the volcanic system properties from magma chamber to atmosphere, and to understand how volcanic activity changes between gently effusive and violently explosive behaviour and shows rapid fluctuations in explosivity during eruptions, which can lead to dangerous escalations in eruptive hazard. 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 in Volcanic Plume Modelling you will develop an existing time-dependent integral model for idealised turbulent buoyant plumes, to resolve frontal dynamics and add atmospheric thermodynamics and wind, to create a time-dependent model for volcanic eruption columns. You will use this model to investigate how conditions for column collapse arise in a time-dependent volcanic plume, and to develop new understanding of how changes in source conditions lead to column collapse. You will work closely with collaborators at Universities of Manchester, Oxford and Plymouth to couple the eruption column model to input conditions from time-dependent conduit modelling, and to far-field dispersion models and field interpretations of volcanic deposits. You will also have the opportunity to work with project partners to start to operationalise the model for eruption forecasting, which could be foundational for future research funding opportunities.

What will you be doing?

Using fluid dynamical approaches to formulate physically-based closures for governing equations of buoyancy-driven motion and implementing time-dependent boundary conditions to create a model for unsteady volcanic eruption columns in the atmosphere.

Using time-dependent models to explore the dynamics of eruption column collapse and mapping parameter space of volcanic and atmospheric conditions for which column collapse is likely, to allow forecasting of magmatic and conduit conditions likely to result in column collapse.

Working with collaborators in the analysis of conduit model, atmospheric dispersion model and field stratigraphic data.

Working with project partners to operationalise the forecasting of eruption column dynamics towards warnings.

Contributing to the development of open-source software and documentation, and documentation of research impact.

You should apply if

You have a PhD-level qualification or equivalent experience in Physical Volcanology, Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics and Physics or a related relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.

You have demonstrable quantitative skills in developing and using numerical models to explore dynamics and interpret observations and behaviour of natural systems.

You will 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 multidisciplinary team.

You have proven ability to lead-author high profile manuscripts, produce high quality presentations, and curate online datasets/protocols.

Experience and skills in adapting numerical model schemes, programming in numerical languages (e.g. Python, Matlab, Julia, Fortran, C++), and working with geophysical data and operational project partners would be advantageous.

You have an enthusiasm for working collaboratively across disciplines and with non-academic partners

You thrive in a team working environment and have a proven capacity for excellent time management

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended, with fixed-term funding for 24 months

Work pattern: Full time/ part time hours considered

Post start date is anticipated from the 1st April 2026

Grade: J/Pathway 2

Salary: £43482 - £50,253 per annum

School/Unit: School of Earth Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 11/12/2025

For informal queries, please contact: Professor of Volcanology and natural hazards Jeremy Phillips ([email protected]) or NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow Mark Woodhouse ([email protected])

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Available documents

• ACAD108350 - Senior Research Associate - JD.pdf
• Science Engineering Further Particulars 2024-2025.pdf