Research Fellow In Gravel Coast Science

About us

University College London (UCL) is one of the world's top universities. Based in the heart of London, it is a dynamic, outward-looking institution. At its establishment in 1826, UCL was radical and responsive to the needs of society, and this ethos – that excellence should go hand-in-hand with enriching society – continues today.

The UCL Department of Geographyis a leading UK and global department, with a heritage of excellence in research, renowned for its innovative and interdisciplinary research to understanding complex global challenges. It brings together expertise in physical and human geography to explore critical issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and social justice. The department fosters an interdisciplinary approach, equipping students and researchers with the skills to critically engage with the complex interactions between people, places, and environments.

About the role

We are seeking a short-term postdoctoral researcher to support on-going work on the NERC funded Gravel barrier resilience in a changing climate (#gravelbeach) project. The project is expanding and improving our knowledge and understanding of gravel barrier systems, particularly in the context of the UK where we have a wealth of these systems and where they play a vital role in natural flood and coastal erosion risk protection.

Applicants will have experience and proven skillsets in coastal science, gravel sedimentology, data science, and machine learning applications to morphosedimentary data.

The full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

This is a part time (0.2 FTE), fixed term post with funding available for 10 months starting 2nd November 2026. Funding is available at Grade 7, spine point 32 -33 (including London Allowance).

Informal enquiries may be made to Prof Helene Burningham (h.burningham@ucl.ac.uk)

If you have any queries regarding the application process, or if you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the department’s research administration team: geog.research@ucl.ac.uk

About you

Applicants will have a PhD in costal science relating to gravelly shorelines as well as be able to demonstrate :

• Experience in collecting, processing, and analysing heterogeneous coastal sediments across multiple grain size classes
• Experience in collecting, processing, and analysing near-sensing data, including using e.g. RTK GPS, UAS, TLS
• Experience and expertise in coding data science and machine learning pipelines for the analysis and segmentation of near-sensing data

Please see the full job description and person specification at the bottom of this page full more information.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit Conditions service research teaching and professional services staff for more information.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit Reward and benefitsto find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy

In 2022, the Department was awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in recognition of our advancement of gender equality: representation, progression, and success.

Above all the Department aims to be a supportive environment for both its staff and students. More information can be found here: Equality diversity and inclusionsciences/geography/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion