Research Fellow Impact of heterogeneous chemistry on tropospheric radicals

Role Description

Department

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) wish to recruit a Research Fellow to lead on the advancement of our understanding of the impact of heterogeneous processes on the tropospheric radical budget. You will lead on the development of sampling and calibration methodologies before deploying state-of-the-art chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (CIMS) and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) instrumentation to generate a unique set of observational constraints on the role of heterogeneous processes. Model representations of these processes will then be developed, challenged and revised to better represent observations, and their impact assessed over a range of scales. The post is available from 1 June 2025 for a period of up to 36 months. 

WACL is the largest dedicated atmospheric chemistry facility in the UK, home to more than 70 researchers. 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, within which WACL sits, strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel.

Role

You will lead on the use of existing CIMS and LIF instrumentation in WACL in combination with chemical models over a range of scales to improve our understanding of heterogeneous processes relevant to the tropospheric radical budget.  The post will entail laboratory experiments, field work and modelling as well as significant data analysis and interpretation. 

The specific 

• Develop detection protocols and calibration methodologies.

• Deploy CIMS and LIF instruments in relevant locations to generate data capable of constraining our understanding of the tropospheric radical budget.

• Challenge and improve representations of these processes in chemical models and assess their impacts on a local and global scale.

• Participate actively in the planning and management of research projects, including supervising the work of others and providing expert advice and guidance.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• An undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics or environmental/natural science and a PhD in atmospheric chemistry 

• Experience in the use of CIMS for atmospheric measurements

• Experience in the use of LIF for atmospheric measurements 

• Experience of leading instrument development and deployment projects

• Knowledge of a range of atmospheric modelling tools and methodologies

• Experience of developing models of atmospheric heterogeneous processes

• Experience of leading the production of research outputs 

• Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research

• Highly motivated and professional work ethic, with commitment to high quality research, a collaborative ethos and a willingness to proactively support colleagues and students

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Contact Dr Pete Edwards (pete.edwards@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