Research Fellow in Air Pollution

An enthusiastic, innovative and self-motivated person is sought for a Research Fellow position to join an active world class team working on collaborative projects within the Atmospheric Pollution and Human Health in developing megacities programme (APHH), funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.APHH aims to understand the sources, processes and impacts of atmospheric pollution in developing megacities including Beijing and Delhi.

The successful candidate will work with Dr Zongbo Shi, Professor Roy Harrison, Professor William Bloss and other team members to carry out laboratory measurements of particulate matter samples as well as data analysis.The successful candidate will have a PhD degree, or equivalent qualifications relevant to atmospheric science.Extensive experience in laboratory chemical analyses and advanced data analysis in atmospheric science is required. Laboratory experience in working with gas chromatography - mass spectrometry would be advantageous. Given the collaborative nature of the project, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required as well as the ability to meet deadlines, prepare publications and work effectively with other members of the team.The university is committed to enabling the career progression of post-doctoral researchers through opportunities for continuing professional development and mentoring.

Summary of Role

This 24-month post will be responsible for the chemical analysis of airborne particles as well as advanced data analysis, including receptor modelling for source apportionment.The post-holder will also be responsible for the analysis, quality control and provision of chemical composition data to staff and external organisations, and will contribute to written outputs. Training will be provided to excellent candidates if not all the skills are already available.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

1. Research
   • Collect research data through scientific experimentation and literature reviews
   • Carrying out chemical analysis on the particulate matter samples collected from Beijing and /or Delhi
   • Perform data quality control checks and ensure the quality and validity of data on basis of expert knowledge proposing solutions to quality issues
   • Provide data to other team members and external organisations using an understanding of their requirements to provide appropriate data in a format suitable for their use
   • Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
   • Undertake management/administration arising from research
   • Apply knowledge in ways that develops new intellectual understanding
   • Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at conferences and as posters
   • Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
   • Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
2. Health and Safety
   • Carry out health and safety risk assessments including COSHH risk assessments.
   • Ensure the safe handling and disposal of all materials used in experimental work including hazardous chemicals.

Person Specification

• Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
• A doctoral degree in atmospheric science or related discipline
• Experience in laboratory inorganic and organic analyses is required
• Experience in gas chromatography - mass spectrometer analysis of airborne particles is advantageous
• Ability in advanced data analysis in atmospheric sciences, for example, receptor modelling for source apportionment is preferable
• Good health and safety knowledge in the use of safe handling of field equipment and hazardous chemicals and materials
• Good communication skills
• Positive service attitude and showing courtesy in dealing with others
• Ability to organise and manage own work load and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team
• Proficiency in commonly used software packages
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes