Research Associate in Mass Spectrometric Detection of Marine VOCs (COCO)

Role Description Department

The University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) wish to recruit a Research Associate to investigate marine abiotic emissions of VOCs and OVOCs using state-of-the-art online mass spectrometry (PTR-tof-MS and iodide -CIMS). The role is part of the NERC consortium project “Closing the budget in marine atmospheric Oxidative Capacity through the quantification of Oceanic VOC emissions” (COCO-VOC). The post is available from 1 September 2024 for 36 months. Further extension of the post is possible, subject to review.

WACL is the largest dedicated atmospheric chemistry facility in the UK, home to over 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 excel.

Role

You will determine light and ozone-driven production of (O)VOCs from different seawater samples using a photochemical flow cell. The majority of experiments will be performed in situ onboard two month-long research cruises in the North and Tropical Atlantic Ocean in 2025 and 2026. Seawater samples from the English Channel will also be available for analyses over seasonal time scales. You will investigate the mechanisms of marine abiotic production of VOCs and connect them to measurements and modelling made within the wider COCO-VOC team.

Specific aims of the post:

• Develop and extend the existing OVOC and VOC measurement and calibration protocols of the York PTR-TOF-MS / iodide-CIMS
• Test and develop a photochemical flow cell to characterise seawater production of (O)VOCs
• Participate in two research cruises to quantitatively determine the controlling factors for marine abiotic emissions of VOCs and OVOCs
• Provide support for a PhD student to determine (O)VOC production from marine aerosol.
• Analyse data and lead publications on production mechanisms and atmospheric impacts of these gases
• Conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and contribute to the production of research

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A first degree in chemistry, physics or environmental / natural science and 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 of large data sets
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills
• Ability to write-up research work for publications and present to conferences
• Ability and experience 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 willingness to proactively support colleagues and students
• Ability to work closely with others within a team environment, work independently using own initiative

Interview date: w/c 5 August 2024

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

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

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