Postdoctoral Research Assistant in (Atmospheric Electricity)

Location: Whiteknights Campus

Job details

Contractual hours: 35

Region: South

Job category/type: Academic and Research

Job description

Fixed term contract (up to 25 months)

Interview date: The interview panel will shortlist and interview candidates on an ongoing basis (during the advert period of this campaign) and may close the advert before the stated closing date. As such, early submission of applications is encouraged.

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website. 

A PDRA is required to lead the experimental work for the BrightSpark project. This person will lead on equipment acquisition, and, where needed instrumentation production, and play a significant role in coordinating the experimental field campaigns including analysing and presenting the data obtained.

You will have strong experimental skills obtained in an atmospheric science context, and familiarity with organising field work. In particular, you will have thorough experience of atmospheric electricity measurements, their operation and calibration and knowledge of low energy corona emission systems. Scientific data analysis and presentation skills are also essential. Experience with engagement and outreach activities is desirable.

You will have:

• A PhD in closely related subject area (e.g. Physics, Meteorology, Engineering)
• Experience in making real-world atmospheric electricity measurements using surface sensors
• Experience with low energy corona emission systems
• Understanding of meteorological processes related to aerosol, fog and cloud microphysics

Informal contact details

Contact Name: Dr Keri Nicoll

Contact Job Title: Associate Professor

Contact Email address: k.a.nicoll@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Prof Giles Harrison

Alternative Contact Job Title: Professor

Alternative Contact Email address: r.g.harrison@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality.

We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Closing date: 23:59 04/05/2026

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