Postdoctoral Researcher (x2) Aerosol Physicochemical Measurements and Source Apportionment, Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, Physics, University of Galway 076-24

3 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Galway

Research Field

Environmental science » Earth science
Physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Ireland

Application Deadline

18 Apr 2024 - 17:00 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two full-time fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Ryan Institute’s Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies at the University of Galway, Ireland.

The positions are funded by the EPA Ireland and are available for two years from June 2024 with possible extension after the initial term.

The positions will be to join the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS) Aerosol Mass Spectrometry Unit, led by Prof. Jurgita Ovadnevaite, and to facilitate ambient and laboratory aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements and source apportionment with the research focus on understanding of particulate matter composition and sources that are crucial in mitigating the aerosol impacts on health.

Atmospheric Composition, influencing both air pollution and climate change, has had a 60-year profile in C-CAPS research history (universityofgalway.ie/c-caps/) with Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station being one of the most recognized and respected facilities both nationally and internationally. It has >1,000 publications associated with it, leading to >3,000 citations per year, and an h-index of >92. The facility continues to grow in national and international importance, breaking new ground, not only in terms of operational monitoring of new pollutants in the atmosphere and delivery of real-time in-situ and remote sensing data but also in terms of fundamental research with the highest impact. The current AMS network in Ireland, led by C-CAPS, consists of the Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station and 3 additional sites strategically situated in urban (Dublin), regional background (Carnsore Point) and west coast (Valentia). The research will also involve international collaborations across Europe, the USA, Australia, and China with our long-established partners in the fields of atmospheric composition, climate, and health.

Job Description:

The successful candidates will work with state-of-the-art chemical speciation instrumentation, including an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) and aerosol physical properties instrumentation to identify and quantify sources of particulate matter (PM) affecting air quality in Irish towns; will perform laboratory solid fuel burning experiments and will further develop and oversee the operational deployment of the Aerosol Mass Spectrometry, greenhouse gas and short-lived climate forcer (SLCF) network. Provide recommendations on actions to reduce PM2.5 levels and achieve alignment with the recast of the CAFE Directive and the new WHO air quality guidelines issued in 2021.

Duties:

• To undertake atmospheric composition measurements at a number of remote monitoring stations around Ireland.
• To perform long-term source apportionment for Irish sites.
• To plan and conduct short term laboratory and field experiments related to source characterisation and identification of aerosol composition- health relationships.
• To develop and implement quality assurance measures.
• Work with other team members to plan project activities and set key milestones.
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support as appropriate.
• Keep up to date with research related methods and techniques, in particular AMS spectrometry and source apportionment.
• To complete the administrative work to support the programme of research.
• To assist in the financial management of the project.
• Manage research resources, i.e. laboratories and equipment appropriately.
• Presenting findings at international conferences, leading peer-reviewed publications and leading/contributing to proposal and project report writing.
• Liaise with the network coordinator, stakeholders in the State and internationally as well as research groups to ensure strong links with ACTRIS and ACSM/AMS community.
• The role will involve international collaborations across Europe, the USA, and China with our long-established partners in the fields of atmospheric composition, climate, and health.
• Write up results from own research activity.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research with the support and under the supervision of the principal Investigator by publishing reports.
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

• PhD in Atmospheric Physics or similar
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in operating an Aerodyne Inc. Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM), ACSM data analysis, QC/QA
• Minimum of 2 years of experience at source apportionment techniques
• Recognised track record for research as evidenced by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

Desirable Requirements:

• expertise in other aerosol measurement techniques, e.g. filter sampling, SMPS, CPC, CCN, HR-ToF-AMS, CIMS, etc.
• expertise in inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches
• a capacity to provide leadership in research aligned with the Societal Challenges of Climate Change and Public Health       
• a track record of interaction with key actors across the EU and beyond along with interacting with relevant funding agencies
• valid driving licence.

Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher €42,782- €54,965 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.

Research Salary Scales - University of Galway).

Start date: Position is available from June 2024

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see HERE  for further information.

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Further information about {school/centre} is available at www.universityofgalway.ie/c-caps/

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Professor (Jurgita Ovadnevaite, [email protected] )

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Jurgita Ovadnevaite at [email protected]

 

Please put reference number University of Galway 076-24 in subject line of e-mail application.

 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) 18th April 2024

 

Interviews will be held remotely

 

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

 

University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

 

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment

 

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Other

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Galway

Country

Europe

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Ireland

City

Galway

Website

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/

Street

University Road

Postal Code

H91 TK33

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED