Research Associate in Atmospheric Composition Measurements and Modelling

Role Description

Department

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) wish to recruit a Research Associate to support atmospheric volatile organic compound (VOC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) measurements at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory (CVAO) and to lead data analyses and publication of these data sets. This post forms part of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) programmes supporting observations of chemical change in the North Atlantic region. The post is available from 1 August 2024 for a period of 36 months. Further long-term extension of the post is possible, subject to review.

WACL is the largest dedicated atmospheric chemistry facility in the UK, home to more than 70 researchers. WACL supports an exceptional research environment, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise. The Department of Chemistry, within which WACL sits, is proud of its Athena SWAN Gold Award and strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel.

Role

You will work (remotely) with the CVAO-based technical staff to ensure they are supported in maintaining the high quality continuous measurements of VOCs and NOx and harmonize the measurement and calibration procedures with other groups worldwide. You will also work with modellers based at various NCAS sites to interpret the data from the CVAO and other global data sets and with the wider CVAO project team including postdoctoral research associates and PhD students.

The specific

• Lead the day-to-day measurement and data processing of VOCs at the CVAO and liaise with technical staff at the CVAO to ensure continuous, high quality observations traceable to international calibration scales
• Provide support for the operation and data analysis of the NOx measurements at the CVAO
• Analyse data and lead publications on emerging trends, seasonal patterns, and atmospheric impacts
• To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A first degree in chemistry, physics or environmental / natural science and a PhD in atmospheric chemistry
• Experienced in GC and/or GC-MS atmospheric VOC measurements and ideally also in atmospheric NOx measurements by chemiluminescence
• Well-developed analytical skills, attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality measurements
• Knowledge and experience of data analyses and/or modelling of large data sets
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills
• Ability to write-up research work for publications and to present to conferences
• Ability and experience to develop research objectives and carry out individual and collaborative projects, planning and prioritising own work in order to meet deadlines
• Ability to design and conduct complex experiments
• Highly motivated and professional work ethic, with commitment to high quality research, a collaborative ethos and a willingness to proactively support colleagues and students
• Ability to work closely with others within a team environment and to work independently using own initiative

Interview date: 29/04/24

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Lucy Carpenter (lucy.carpenter@york.ac.uk)

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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