Research Fellow in Atmospheric Science (SEANA) - School of Geography, Earth and Environmental S[...] in Birmingham

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2028
Closing date: 30th June 2026

Background

An enthusiastic, innovative and self-motivated person is sought for a Research Fellow position to join an active world class team working on UKRI projects related to aerosol sources and processes. The successful candidate will work with Professors Zongbo Shi and other team members to analyse aerosol and gas mass spectroscopic data, carry out laboratory chemical analysis of collected aerosol samples and combine field and laboratory data with advanced data techniques and models to understand the aerosol sources and processes.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data from previous field observations and laboratory analyses
• Perform data quality control checks, ensure the quality and validity of data on basis of expert knowledge and propose solutions to quality issues
• 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
• 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 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
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Carry out health and safety risk assessments including COSHH risk assessments
• Ensure the safe handling.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism, and a doctoral degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications (or close to graduation)
• A proven ability to analyse complex atmospheric datasets, such as applying receptor models and machine learning techniques
• A strong publication track record
• High level analytical capability, for example, experience in laboratory trace chemical analyses particularly gas chromatography – mass spectrometer, is desirable
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Experience in machine learning is advantageous
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co‑ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• 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 enquiries to Zongbo Shi, email:

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 a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone.