Ground-penetrating radar Modelling Specialist – Rail Infrastructure (KTP Associate)

Job title:

Ground-penetrating radar Modelling Specialist – Rail Infrastructure (KTP Associate)

Company

Northumbria University

Job description

Job Description:ABOUT THE ROLEWorking as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will lead the delivery of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Northumbria University and Zetica Ltd. This project focuses on developing an advanced simulation platform for railway track bed modelling with ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and developing a software modelling platform for GPR responses of rail track bed.
• Advanced modelling of track bed materials and 3D modelling of GPR antennas, leading to realistic simulation of GPR track bed responses.
• Validation by direct comparisons with real world data provided by Zetica Ltd.
• Collaborating with the Zetica Ltd team to embed innovative solutions and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Reporting progress to academic and industrial stakeholders and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

This is a fixed-term role for 24 months based primarily at Zetica Ltd, who are in Eynsham near Oxford (UK).Salary in the range £30,000 – £39,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.ABOUT YOUApplicants should hold a first class or 2.1 degree (or equivalent) at Masters level in a relevant STEM field, e.g. physics, engineering, geophysics (PhD desirable) with:

• Strong, demonstrable experience of numerical modelling and simulation
• Experience of the Python programming language
• Knowledge of fundamental electromagnetics and wave propagation
• Software development experience
• The ability to write and present high quality written and oral reports as part of the KTP programme, and produce dissemination and promotional material for the company, specific to the project

The KTP Associate will be based at Zetica Ltd to help embed this work into the company.In line with the University’s mission and corporate strategy, and Zetica Ltd’s business and culture, you will:

• Develop a full understanding of the strategic aims and function of the collaborative project between Zetica Ltd and Northumbria University.
• Undertake research, design, development, implementation, and project management and take ownership of the KTP project.
• Feedback to the project team and deliver the project in accordance with the project plan and KTP management requirements.
• Document progress during the project, as well as completing KTP records.
• Present research outputs to a varied audience including Zetica Ltd’s management, clients, University academics and the KTP Local Management Committee (project team).
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through academic publications, enhancing your professional profile and supporting the University’s research impact.

Training and Development OpportunitiesThe KTP Associate will benefit from professional development opportunities, including:

• KTP residential training modules, focusing on project management, leadership, and business skills.
• Participation in academic conferences, enabling networking and insights into industry best practices.
• A tailored Personal Development Plan (PDP) with structured career support and mentoring.
• Technical training in power electronics, control systems, and embedded systems, supported by university and industry experts.
• Hands-on collaboration with senior professionals at Zetica Ltd and Northumbria University to tackle real-world challenges

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the .If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Craig Warren (craig.warren@northumbria.ac.uk).To apply for this vacancy, please click ‘Apply Now.’ Your application should include a covering letter and CV, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.ABOUT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITYNorthumbria University is a research-intensive university that unlocks potential for all. We change lives regionally, nationally, and internationally through education and research, tackling the global challenges of our age to transform society and the economy. Find out why we were named and in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.Northumbria recorded the biggest rise of any UK university for research power in the Research Excellence Framework for the second time in 2021 and is now ranked top 25 in the UK for this measure.Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our staff. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds bronze Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter awards in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender and race equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.We are committed to keeping your data safe so it’s important for you to know how we use any personal data you give us. For more detailed information, access our .ABOUT ZETICA LTDZetica is the UK’s leader in engineering and environmental geophysics, with an enviable reputation for objective advice, novel problem solving, consistently high-quality surveys and easy-to-understand reporting.We also have a standout track record for innovation – including the development of multi-sensor platforms and smart data processing algorithms for mapping material change.Across all our work, we strive to be the best in class to help you to reveal the unseen.Responsibilities:Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and developing a software modelling platform for GPR responses of rail track bed.
• Advanced modelling of track bed materials and 3D modelling of GPR antennas, leading to realistic simulation of GPR track bed responses.
• Validation by direct comparisons with real world data provided by Zetica Ltd.
• Collaborating with the Zetica Ltd team to embed innovative solutions and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Reporting progress to academic and industrial stakeholders and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

Qualifications:Essential:

• A first class or 2.1 degree or equivalent to Masters level in relevant STEM field, e.g. physics, engineering, geophysics.
• Strong experience of numerical modelling and simulation
• Knowledge of electromagnetics and wave propagation
• Knowledge and experience of the Python programming language
• The ability to write and present high quality written and oral reports as part of the KTP programme, and produce dissemination and promotional material for the company, specific to the project

Desirable:

• PhD in relevant STEM field, e.g. physics, engineering, geophysics
• Experience of ground-penetrating radar systems
• Knowledge and experience of software development

Expected salary

£30000 – 39000 per year

Location

Newcastle

Job date

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:35:58 GMT

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