"Research Fellow in Air Quality Modelling - College of Life and Environmental Sciences - 103258 - Grade 7"

Position Details

College of Life and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027 

Closing date: 13th March 2024 

Background

We are seeking to recruit a research fellow to contribute to the NERC WM-Air (Clean Air Science for the West Midlands) and new UKRI-NSF Global Centre for Clean Energy and Equitable Transport Solutions projects at the University of Birmingham. The focus of the role will be to undertake air quality modelling for present day and future (Net Zero / low emission) transport scenarios, using models likely to include WRF-CMAQ, ADMS and the Regional Model Link system between these.

The post will be based in the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (although researchers on the WM-Air and CLEETS projects span Schools across the University, and CLEETS is a collaboration with the Universities of Cardiff and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign) at the University of Birmingham, and is available in the first instance for a period of 3 years.

Role Summary

Air quality is a key link between future climate, the development and roll-out of future transport systems, and human and environmental health. This role aims to develop and apply local and regional air quality modelling methods to predict present day and future air quality, and the improvements (or otherwise) associated with clean energy transport solutions.

The postholder will work with the established WM-Air model to predict air quality across the West Midlands, based upon the ADMS framework, and operate this on both a stand-alone basis and within a wider WRF-CMAQ system, building on existing work in the group to link these systems. Alongside other team members, they will contribute to the development of future transport scenarios and estimation of their associated emissions using EMIT, perform simulations of future air quality, and assess the change in exposure and health impacts, considering the impacts on different population groups (and hence fairness of different future transport systems).

The postholder will work with the existing WM-Air research team, and colleagues involved in closely related projects, and with colleagues at Birmingham, Cardiff and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (CLEETS). In both cases this involves a multidisciplinary research team with expertise spanning atmospheric science, energy, transport, meteorology, social sciences and policy. The role will also involve working with external stakeholders to develop and explore future policy scenarios.

Wider duties will include presentation and communication of results, through project meetings, reports, scientific papers and conference attendance; input to future funding bids and public engagement / public understanding of science and, dependent upon interests and expertise, appropriate contributions to teaching and education.

The post will be based in the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (although researchers on the WM-Air and CLEETS projects span Schools across the University) at the University of Birmingham, and is available in the first instance for a period of 3 years.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required

Contribute to writing bids for research funding

Analyse and interpret data

Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding

Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline

Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 

Undertake management/administration arising from research

Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews *

Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters *

Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research *

Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*

Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

First degree and normally a higher degree relevant to research area (air quality / atmospheric chemistry modelling) or equivalent qualifications / professional experience

An interest and enthusiasm for atmospheric science in the context of low carbon futures and the aims of the WM-Air and CLEETS projects

Demonstrable experience in the development and use of relevant air quality modelling systems 

High level analytical and geographical data visualisation capability

Ability to communicate complex information clearly, verbally and in writing, including project meetings, conferences and scientific papers

Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively, including managing own time 

Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader research management / administration processes

Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the overall research programme and the candidates own projects

Ability to effectively work as part of a team, to collaborate with and co-ordinate own work with that of others

Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquires can be made to William Bloss (W.J.Bloss@bham.ac.uk)

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is one of our values. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.

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JOB INFO

Job Identification

4152

Job Category

Academic Non-clinical

Posting Date

02/14/2024, 08:01 AM

Apply Before

03/14/2024, 07:59 AM

Job Schedule

Full time

Locations

 Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB