Senior Scientist/Engineer - Dispersion and Water Quality

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

The Dispersion and Water Quality Team, within our Coasts & Oceans Division, works with clients worldwide to model and optimise coastal project designs. Our typical consultancy studies involve hydrodynamic and water quality modelling to support, for example:

• sustainable design of marine/riverine outfalls and intakes for the power and water sectors


• estuary, coast and river water quality improvement plans


• new waterfront developments

We are seeking an experienced engineer/scientist with expertise in hydrodynamic modelling and water quality. The role involves understanding customer requirements, project management, numerical modelling and analysis, helping to support concept design of intakes/outfalls, writing proposals and reports, and contributing to our program of research and development. You are also likely to engage with project stakeholders (including environmental regulators), and you may provide training courses for internal and external clients. Proficiency in TELEMAC or other hydrodynamic models would be a significant advantage. The successful candidate will apply their knowledge on a range of engineering and environmental projects worldwide.

You will report to the manager of the Dispersion and Water Quality Team within HR Wallingford’s Coasts & Oceans Division.

Key qualifications and skills

• Degree in physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering


• Post-graduate qualification in a related field


• Experienced in coding in FORTRAN, Python and/or Matlab


• Project Management experience and abilities


• Good understanding of coastal processes


• Good understanding of marine outfall dispersion and water quality


• Experience in intake/outfall modelling and design


• Enthusiasm, pragmatism and resourcefulness


• Ability to contribute to research and lead research activities


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English


• Commercial awareness and acumen

Further information

• Download a full Job Description and Person Specification.


• Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.


• Salary from £47,000 dependant on experience.


• We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer both hybrid working and flexi-time. We are also open to exploring other flexible working arrangements, including part-time.


• The closing date for applications is 1^st December 2026.

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter. 

Additional information

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HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.