Research Fellow in Atmospheric Chemistry: The University of Leeds is seeking an ambitious researcher with expertise or interest in atmospheric chemistry to work on the ALPACA-UK project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). This exciting opportunity involves contributing to groundbreaking research on wintertime air pollution and its impact on human health, with a focus on heterogeneous aerosol production of nitrous acid (HONO). The successful candidate will join a leading research-intensive university and work collaboratively with national and international partners.
Research Fellow in Atmospheric Chemistry
Designation
Research Fellow (Grade 7)
Job Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Leeds – Main Campus |
| Faculty/Service | Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences, School of Chemistry |
| Salary | £39,105 to £46,485 p.a. (Due to funding restrictions, capped at £39,105) |
| Working Hours | 37.5 hours per week |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
| Contract Type | Fixed Term (4 months) – focused on time-limited work |
| Closing Date | Sunday, 16 March 2025 |
| Reference Code | EPSCH1120 |
Research Area
The position is within the ALPACA-UK project led by the University of Leeds. The research focuses on air quality and atmospheric chemistry, investigating heterogeneous aerosol production of HONO in urban wintertime conditions, including its impact on oxidant and radical budgets in polluted environments. The outcome will contribute to enhancing air quality models and wintertime pollution forecasts globally.
Key Research Collaborations:
- University of Alaska at Fairbanks
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, and more
Eligibility/Qualification
Essential Qualifications:
- PhD (or close to completion) in atmospheric chemistry, physical chemistry, or a related field.
- Research skills in experimental atmospheric chemistry and/or tropospheric chemical modelling.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary research settings.
- Evidence of high-quality research outputs.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry or air quality modelling.
- Ability to work with large datasets from field measurements.
Job Description
The Research Fellow will:
- Contribute to the ALPACA-UK project by analyzing aerosol filter samples and in situ data.
- Study and characterize the sources of HONO in polluted, urban winter atmospheres.
- Quantify the environmental impact of heterogeneous HONO production on oxidant/radical budgets.
- Collaborate with international project partners and attend ALPACA workshops.
- Develop new parameterizations for air quality models, focusing on aerosol composition dependencies.
- Engage in training opportunities to develop skills in science communication, grant application writing, and science/project management for an independent career track.
Benefits:
- 42 annual leave days (26 holidays + approx. 16 Bank Holidays/custom closure).
- Generous pension scheme (University contribution: 14.5% of salary).
- Access to state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities (discounted).
- Professional development opportunities, including self-development courses.
- Additional perks such as childcare access, travel schemes, and shopping discounts.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the required application documents online through the University of Leeds careers portal. For queries or further information, you may contact:
- Professor Dwayne Heard: D.E.Heard@leeds.ac.uk | +44 (0)113 343 6471
- Dr. Lisa Whalley: L.K.Whalley@leeds.ac.uk | +44 (0)113 343 6594
- Professor Steve Arnold: S.Arnold@leeds.ac.uk | +44 (0)113 343 7245
Last Date to Apply
Sunday, 16 March 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge atmospheric chemistry research at one of the UK’s top research institutions!
