Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven researcher to support the NERC funded project ISOL-ICE. The post holder will be based at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge (UK) and will carry out 3-D simulations of stratospheric ozone, using the UKESM, to investigate the responses of stratospheric ozone, particularly over the Antarctic, to three potential perturbations: (a) solar radiation, (b) volcanic eruptions and (c) natural production of very short-lived halocarbons from the oceans. Model simulations will be compared to estimates of past column ozone above Antarctica during the last 1 kyr based on an ice core drilled for this project in 2016/17. The post holder will be expected to prioritise modelling tasks, design and perform model experiments and analyse their outcome. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

The post requires a smart, self-motivated scientist with a strong background in both numerical simulation, and ideally in atmospheric chemistry (not essential). The successful candidate will have proven experience in running global climate or chemistry models in high performance computer systems.

For further inquiries please get in touch with
Dr. X. Yang (xinyang55@bas.ac.uk) or
Dr. M.M. Frey (maey@bas.ac.uk)

Purpose
Design and carry out 3-D model experiments to investigate atmospheric ozone changes in the past 1-kyr due to natural perturbations from solar radiation, volcanic eruptions and marine biogenic emission of halocarbons. This position is part of the NERC project ‘Isotopic constraints on past ozone layer in polar ice (ISOL-ICE)’. Set up the model ancillary files (after attending the relevant NCAS or MetOffice training course if needed), run the simulations, and analyze the model results. Compare model outputs to reconstructions of stratospheric ozone above Antarctica during the past 1 kyr based on the ISOL-ICE ice core to identify the dominant factors controlling stratospheric ozone. Liaise with PI/CO-Is and project partners in setting up and interpreting the simulations. Produce at least one high-quality publication in the relevant peer-reviewed literature and contribute to publications led by the other project PDRA.

Qualification
PhD in numerate science or relevant quantitative environmental science.

Duties
– Set up, run and analyze model experiments and run them in liaison with PI, CO-Is and PPs.
– Set up and run the UKESM (or the UKCA model) in liaison with project partner J. Pyle and his NCAS modelling group at University of Cambridge.
– Take part in the UM-UKCA training course in Cambridge (January 2018).
– Set up the solar radiation forcing for selected time periods during the last 1 kyr in liaison with project partner J. Haigh and her group at Imperial College.
– Analyse model outputs and evaluate against ice core reconstructions based on the nitrate stable isotope record in liaison with PDRA1.
– Assist PDRA1 in the box modelling development.
– Present results at (inter)national conference(s) and write up at least on 1st-authored publication and contribute to publications by PDRA1.