Research Associate in Experimental Atmospheric Science

Role Description

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) wish to recruit a Research Associate to investigate the emissions of organic compounds from domestic woodburning stoves. The position is funded from a NERC Standard Grant entitled ‘CondensabLe AeRosol from non- Ideal Stove Emissions (CLARISE)” and is available from May 2023 for a period of up to 24 months. This project brings together a team of atmospheric scientists from the Universities of York and Manchester to explore the impact of stove operation and burn phase on the emissions of gases and particles during domestic wood combustion.

You will work with Professor Jacqui Hamilton and Dr Andrew Rickard at WACL, to undertake detailed characterisation of the organic emissions using a range of analytical techniques, and will also take part in emissions monitoring and atmospheric oxidation experiments at the University of Manchester’s dedicated Stove Facility.

Department 

WACL is the largest dedicated atmospheric chemistry facility in the UK, home to more than 70 researchers with interests in all aspects of atmospheric chemistry. 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 is one of the largest and most successful academic departments at York. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award.

Role

In this role you will collect gas and filter samples during combustion experiments to characterise the gas and particle phase organic composition.  The organic fraction will be analysed using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry.  You will identify the impact of non-ideal burning conditions on the amount and composition of the organic emissions, and compare this to standard regulatory emission factors.  The compositional data will be used to create volatility distributions of the emissions from domestic wood burning, which will subsequently be incorporated into regional atmospheric model simulations by other project members to predict the relative amounts of secondary particulate matter that can be expected from both the ideal and the non-ideal burning conditions.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A first degree in chemistry, physics, environmental or natural sciences and a PhD in atmospheric or analytical chemistry.
• Research expertise in atmospheric organic gases/aerosols or use of simulation chamber experiments.
• Experience in complex mixture analysis using chromatography or mass spectrometry.
• Ability to plan and prioritise own work.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality research.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to write-up research work for publication and to present at conferences.
• Ability to work closely with others within a team environment and to work independently using own initiative.

This role is available as fixed term for up to 2 years.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact prof Jacqui Hamilton jacqui.hamilton@york.ac.uk or Dr Andrew Rickard andrew.rickard@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