Research Fellow in Hydrological and Environmental Modelling

Overview of the Role

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in hydrology and climate modelling? Are you looking to make a real-world impact beyond environmental science and work as part of an interdisciplinary team?

Based in the School of Geography, you will contribute to the recently-funded research project ’Still Waters: using hydrological models to improve malaria transmission estimates’ funded by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The project aims to embed hydrological processes in models of malaria transmission using the latest advances in climate science, hydrological modelling and satellite remote sensing. In collaboration with partners in Zambia, we aim to develop a new generation of environmental risk mapping for malaria transmission that can help public health planners target and tailor malaria interventions.

Joining the River Basin Processes and Management research group and working closely with project lead Prof Mark Smith, you will be involved with colleagues across campus, at Aberystwyth University, and partners in Zambia, Hong Kong and Italy. We are looking for an enthusiastic Post-Doctoral researcher with a background in hydrological modelling or environmental modelling more generally to join our team in the University of Leeds. The role involves generating new surface water layers and adapting an existing open-source malaria transmission model (in partnership with the model developer) to embed these new water layers. Model outputs will then be validated using remotely-sensed datasets and existing health data. In combination, this permits a more process-based understanding of malaria risk enabling targeting of interventions based on specific eco-hydrological settings.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Using existing high resolution data products of rainfall and temperature to run a two dimensional hydrological model across the Western Province of Zambia;
• Validating model outputs of surface water using provided remotely sensed radar data products and available field data;
• Ground-truthing these model and earth-observation estimates during both wet and dry season field campaigns;
• Working with the developer of an open-source malaria transmission model to enable inclusion of surface water layers differentiated by malaria vector species habitat preferences;
• Running the malaria transmission model for present and future climates;
• Validating these model outputs using health facility data, adjusted for local access considerations;
• Communicating these model outputs to the wider project team, including presenting summaries for Zambian project partners;
• Generating and pursuing independent and original research ideas in the appropriate subject area;
• Preparing papers for publication in leading international journals and disseminating research results through other recognised forms of output;
• Working both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers, engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible;
• Maintaining your own continuing professional development and acting as a mentor to less experienced colleagues as appropriate;
• Contributing to the training of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including assisting with the supervision of projects in areas relevant to the project.

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

Additional Information

Working at Leeds

We are a campus based community and regular interaction with campus is an expectation of all roles in line with academic and service needs and the requirements of the role. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Leeds area visit our Working at Leeds information page.

Information for disabled candidates

Information for disabled candidates, impairments or health conditions, including requesting alternative formats, can be found on our Accessibility information page or by getting in touch with us at hrleeds.ac.uk

Criminal Records

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such, applicants are required to declare criminal records accordingly. Appointees may also be required to complete a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and where relevant, equivalent overseas authorities

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Mark Smith, Professor of Water Science & Health

Email: m.w.smithleeds.ac.uk

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Location Leeds - Main Campus Faculty/Service Faculty of Environment School/Institute School of Geography Category Research Grade Grade 7 Salary £41,064 to £48,822 per annum Working Time 100% - We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements Post Type Full Time Contract Type Fixed Term (36 months - to complete specific time limited work) Release Date Monday 23 February 2026 Closing Date Monday 23 March 2026 Reference ENVGE1281 Downloads Candidate Brief (PDF)

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