PDRA Characterisation of Marine Iodine Emissions using Online Mass Spectrometry

Department

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) wish to recruit a Research Associate to investigate iodine emissions from seawater using state-of-the-art online mass spectrometry in novel gas-exchange laboratory experiments. The post is available from 1 October 2024 for up to 12 months.

WACL is the largest dedicated atmospheric chemistry facility in the UK, home to more than 70 researchers. WACL supports an exceptional research environment, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise. The Department of Chemistry, within which WACL sits, is proud of its Athena SWAN Gold Award and strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel.

Role

You will develop improved parameterisations of sea-air emissions of HOI and I2 using novel experiments with a gas exchange tank. The tank has been designed to generate precisely controlled water-side turbulence measured via the gas transfer velocities of selected gases of differing solubilities. Iodine gases will be generated using a flow of ozonized air over iodide solutions and artificial seawater. You will use a TofWerk VOCUS S high resolution chemical-ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometer (CI-ToF) to measure the resulting emissions of I2 and HOI at different temperature and turbulence settings. The results will be used in a global model to assess the influence of oceanic iodine emissions on present day ozone and hydroxyl radical concentrations.

Specific aims of the post:

• Develop and test parameterisations for HOI emissions at ambient levels of ozone and iodide
• Parameterise the impact of water-side turbulent mixing on I2 and HOI emissions
• Parameterise the impact of surfactant concentrations on I2 and HOI emissions
• Provide initial support for a PhD student to determine (O)VOC production using the VOCUS
• Analyse data and lead publications on production mechanisms and atmospheric impacts of these gases
• Conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in chemistry, physics or environmental / natural science and a PhD in atmospheric chemistry
• Experienced in making atmospheric measurements by mass spectrometry
• Well-developed analytical skills, attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality measurements
• Competency in an appropriate programming language
• Knowledge and experience of data analyses and/or modelling
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills
• Ability to write-up research work for publications and to present to conferences
• Ability to develop research objectives and carry out individual and collaborative projects, planning and prioritising own work in order to meet deadlines
• Ability to design and conduct complex experiments
• Highly motivated and professional work ethic, with commitment to high quality research, a collaborative ethos and a willingness to proactively support colleagues and students
• Ability to work closely with others within a team environment and to work independently using own initiative

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Lucy Carpenter (lucy.carpenter@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We also encourage applications from women for senior roles.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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