Research Associate in Halocarbon Measurements

Role Description

Department

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) wish to recruit a Research Associate to support atmospheric halocarbon and volatile organic compound (VOC) measurements at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory (CVAO), using GC and GC-MS methods, and to lead data analyses and publication of these data sets. The post is available from 1st September 2023  for a period of 36 months. 

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

You will work with Professor Lucy Carpenter and Dr Stephen Andrews to extend the range of ozone depleting substances monitored at the CVAO to include a wider range of established and emerging compounds, and harmonize the measurements and calibration procedures with other measurement groups worldwide.   Alongside a PhD student and technical staff at the Cape Verde Observatories, you will establish a program of monthly seawater sampling upwind of the CVAO for measurements of short lived halocarbons by purge and trap GC-MS.   You will also support the ongoing VOC measurements at Cape Verde to ensure the continuing high quality GC observational programme.  

Where appropriate you will:

• conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of research proposals
• provide guidance to other staff and students, as required, as well as coordinating the work of small research teams
• write up research results and disseminate them through publications, seminar and conference presentations and public engagement and outreach activities.
• assist with undergraduate teaching in own area of expertise 

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
• 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 deploying multiple analytics. 
• 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: 14 March 2023

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof. Lucy Carpenter on lucy.carpenter@york.ac.uk

The Department of Chemistry values all employees for the qualities and skills they bring to the workplace and aims to be a diverse and egalitarian community in which all can thrive. 

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