Job Description

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: 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 January 2030

Closing date: 1st October 2026

Background

The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Fellow to contribute to a UKRI-NERC funded FOC-I project (Formation of Oxidized organic molecules and Climate-relevant particles: A new role of Iodine).

FOC-I aims to understand the formation mechanisms of newly identified oxygenated organic molecules that contain iodine – termed I-OOMs - and quantify their role in particle growth. This role involves new laboratory- and computational chemistry based research into atmospheric processes.

The successful candidate will work with Professor Zongbo Shi and other team members to carry out laboratory flow tube and simulation chamber experiments while applying computational chemistry to understand the formation mechanisms of I-OOMs in realistic atmospheric conditions.

The successful candidate will have (or soon have) a PhD degree (or soon to have), or equivalent qualifications or experience relevant to atmospheric chemistry. Experience in laboratory atmospheric chemistry studies is required. A background in computational chemistry and operating and analysing data from mass spectrometers, in particular chemical ionisation mass spectrometers, are desirable. A commitment to developing a strong publication record is essential.

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.

Role Summary

• Work within the FOC-I research project to design, perform and analyse laboratory, theoretical and chamber studies of I-OOM formation. To contribute to related projects and activities
• Analyse, interpret and publish research findings and results, including as papers and to conferences
• Support wider activity of the research groups involved
• Contribute to research bids

Main Duties

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

• Perform research activities in support of the FOC-I project, and collaboratively refine plans and objectives with the project team.
• Carry out laboratory flow tube studies on the formation of iodine containing oxygenated organic molecules using chemical ionisation mass spectrometry
• Use computational chemistry to understand the molecular structure and thermodynamic pathways that form these newly identified molecules
• Support simulation chamber studies of I-OOM formation, involving overseas working (China) for extended periods (up to 2 months)
• Collaboratively contribute to writing bids to secure funding for future researching
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Mentor and guide PhD & project students, sharing your expertise where relevant to the project
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• 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
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Person Specification

• An enthusiastic and positive approach to atmospheric science research
• A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD level qualifications / experience.
• Strong background in atmospheric chemistry (essential)
• Practical experience of laboratory flow tube, chamber, or kinetic studies (essential)
• Experience with computational chemistry (desirable)
• Experience with chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (desirable)
• Ability to plan own activities and take initiative to prioritise efforts and solve problems accordingly
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly within the research team, with project students, and to external audiences, including in writing and orally
• Familiarity with the principles of atmospheric modelling, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• 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 and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

Informal enquiries to Zongbo Shi, email: z.shi@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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 on our website.