Research Fellow in Atmospheric Science (SEANA)

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to June 2026

Background

An enthusiastic, innovative and self-motivated person is sought for a Research Fellow position to join an active world-class team working on a project entitled “Shipping Emissions in the Arctic and North Atlantic Atmosphere – SEANA”, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. SEANA aims to enhance our understanding of the impact of shipping emissions upon atmospheric aerosols and the climate in the Arctic and North Atlantic atmosphere (ANAA). As part of this research, SEANA studies the sources and processes of aerosol particles, including from primary sources such as shipping or ocean, and formation of secondary particles, including atmospheric nano-particles.

The successful candidate will work with Professors Zongbo Shi and other team members to analyse aerosol and gas mass spectroscopic data, carry out laboratory chemical analysis of collected aerosol samples and combine field and laboratory data with advanced data techniques and models to understand the aerosol sources and processes. The successful candidate will have a PhD degree, or equivalent qualifications relevant to atmospheric science. Experience in offline chemical analysis, mass spectroscopic and advanced data analysis in atmospheric science is required. Given the collaborative nature of the project, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required as well as the ability to meet deadlines, prepare publications and work effectively with other members of the team. The University is committed to enabling the career progression of post-doctoral researchers through opportunities for continuing professional development and mentoring.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grant and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data from SEANA field observations, including Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer and SP2-XR
• Perform data quality control checks, ensure the quality and validity of data on basis of expert knowledge and propose solutions to quality issues
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism, and a doctoral degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications (or close to graduation)
• High level analytical capability, including experience in laboratory trace chemical analyses particularly gas chromatography – mass spectrometer 
• A strong publication track record
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 

Informal enquiries to Zongbo Shi, email: z.shi@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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