Research Associate in Air Pollution Modelling

Role Description

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science are recruiting a Research Associate to evaluate air pollution in the UK and Europe using modelling tools, from 1st January 2024, 3 year fixed-term contract (potential to be extended). The project objectives fall in the area of the chemical transport modelling of the composition of the air over the UK, better supporting air quality research, policy development and evaluation of air pollution interventions.

With Professors Mat Evans & Alastair Lewis and wider Air Pollution teams within NCAS & WACL, evaluating topics including: accuracy of UK & European emissions inventories, impact of UK Net-Zero strategies on air quality, relative contributions of road transport, aviation and space heating on urban air pollution and effects of changing transboundary emissions on UK pollutant concentrations.

Department

WACL is the largest dedicated atmospheric chemistry facility in the UK, with more than 75 researchers with interests in all aspects of atmospheric chemistry, from the stratosphere to inside homes. WACL houses 12 NCAS staff delivering long-term science capability. This full integration helps deliver an exceptional research environment, with state-of-the-art facilities, excellent laboratory and computing equipment, includes strong emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary expertise. WACL maintains strong training and development, with around 30 PhD students.

Organisationally part of the Department of Chemistry, one of the largest and most successful academic departments at York. Both the University, and Department of Chemistry, were ranked within Top 10 following REF2021. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel. We are proud to have been awarded the first Athena SWAN Gold Award, and have held this continuously for more than 15 years.

Role

This role uses numerical models of atmospheric chemistry and transport (GEOS-Chem, and others) to increase understanding of how UK air pollution will respond to future changes in emissions. Numerous areas of research could be undertaken: exploring better representation of emissions, use of inverse approaches/adjoint models to estimate emissions, considering impacts of net zero policies on air quality, exploration of underrepresented or new emissions sources, e.g. hydrogen, biofuel combustion, the emerging effects of transport and building policies on national emissions and air quality. You can develop a self-guided research agenda, working with NCAS & WACL staff, delivering wider objectives of NCAS Long-term Single-centre Science programme.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in chemistry, physics, environmental or natural sciences and PhD in atmospheric chemistry, or closely related topic.
• Research expertise in chemistry transport modelling of atmospheric chemistry and air pollution
• Ability to plan and prioritise own work including developing new research ideas, working independently using own initiative.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, high-integrity research.
• Well developed oral and written communication skills, demonstrating your ability to write-up research work for publication, presenting at conferences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others within a team environment, communicate with non-specialists, particularly to policymakers.

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: Prof Mat Evans

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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