Research Fellow (Ionosphere Modelling and Development) - School of Engineering - 104444 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000

Job description

Position Details

School of Engineering

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 2 years

Closing date: 9th April 2025

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

The Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) group at the University of Birmingham is a leading research group in space environment and space weather research. With a multidisciplinary, collaborative and inclusive approach, the group focuses on a wide array of topics such as upper atmosphere modelling - covering empirical, physics-based, and data assimilation techniques - radio propagation, satellite orbit determination, and HF engineering. Additionally, the group explores fundamental physics problems concerning small-scale ionospheric structures and non-linear radiation belt dynamics.

To support a range of exciting new projects and research opportunities, SERENE is looking to welcome an outstanding candidate to work in the field of ionospheric physics/modelling.

This 2 year post will provide the candidate with the opportunity to fully engage with the research group, which conducts work spanning ionospheric data assimilation modelling, D-region remote sensing, empirical modelling, atmosphere-ionosphere coupling, HF radio propagation model development, and first principles modelling of the coupled ionosphere-thermosphere system, as well as theoretical modelling of the Earth’s radiation belts.

The successful applicant will be tasked with furthering the development of the Empirical Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E-CHAIM) and its data assimilation counterpart (A-CHAIM) and, in particular, will explore how to use modules from these models to improve SERENE’s AENeAS physics-based data assimilation model. This research opportunity will also allow the successful applicant to further develop their own research ideas and pursue collaborative research beyond the project objectives.

You will join a group at the forefront of innovation in its field. SERENE’s upper atmosphere models are utilized by over 90 institutions in more than 25 countries around the globe. These models serve a dual purpose: advancing the state of the art in upper atmospheric science research and providing operational support for space weather products and services. Internationally and nationally, the SERENE group is actively engaged in shaping space weather policies and assessing associated risks. This group is committed not just to academic pursuits, but also to practical applications that have real-world impact. Their work informs decision-making processes at various governmental and industrial levels, thereby playing a crucial role in the broader space weather community.

Role Summary

• Contribute to the SERENE research group by supporting its research goals.
• Collaborate on research developing and implementing ionospheric models or measurement techniques.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• Prepare reports and scientific journal papers.
• Share your work and represent SERENE at international conferences.
• Provide subject area support for ionospheric research conducted within SERENE.
• Assist in the training and support of other early-career members of SERENE.

Main Duties

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

• Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Share research findings through publications, research seminars, etc.
• Guide and mentor students on research-related work, offering support to PhD students.
• Support, where appropriate, field trials of an ionospheric monitoring system.
• Address challenges 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.

Person Specification

• First degree in physics, mathematics, or similar, with a higher degree (or near completion) relevant to ionospheric modelling and/or ionospheric measurement techniques, or equivalent qualifications.
• Knowledge of ionospheric or radio propagation modelling is essential.
• Experience installing, running, and operating ionospheric or thermospheric models, such as E-CHAIM and TIE-GCM, is an asset.
• Strong analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and a commitment to ensuring those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly in day-to-day activities.