Research Associate in HO2 Uptake Modelling

Role Description

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) wish to recruit a Research Associate to investigate the impact of uptake of peroxy radicals onto aerosol. The position is funded from a NERC Pushing the Frontiers Grant “Suppression of air pollution via aerosol mediated removal of peroxy radicals”  and is available from 1st April 2025 for a period of 15 months (possible further funding available). This project brings together a team of atmospheric scientists from the Universities of York and Leeds. 

You will work with Professor Mat Evans at WACL, to undertake detailed atmospheric chemistry modelling of the rate and impact of the uptake of HO2 radicals onto aerosol using observations collected by the team in Leeds and by a project partner in Japan. 

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 need to run the GEOS-Chem model on both the University of York’s Viking high performance computing system and on the National ARCHER facility. You will need to be able to adapt the model to include a representation of transition metals within  aerosols as these are thought to play a significant role in determining the rate of the uptake of HO2. You will then construct parameterizations of this rate based on available observational and theoretical data and explore the impact on air pollution and climate. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A first degree in chemistry, physics, environmental or natural sciences and a PhD in atmospheric or analytical chemistry. 

• Previous experience of using the GEOS-Chem atmospheric chemistry transport model to investigate global scale atmospheric chemistry phenomena 

• Ability to develop the code in the model for scientific discovery. 

• 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.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof Mat Evans (mat.evans@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