Research Fellow

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 ionospheric projects SERENE is looking to welcome an outstanding candidate to work in the field of ionospheric data assimilation modelling.

This post will provide the candidate with the opportunity to fully engage with the research group, with work spanning ionospheric data assimilation modelling, D-region remote sensing, atmosphere-ionosphere coupling, HF radio propagation model development as well as first principles modelling of the coupled ionosphere-thermosphere system. This research opportunity will also allow the successful applicant to further develop their own research ideas and pursue collaborative research both locally and internationally.

SERENE's upper atmosphere models are utilized by over 100 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.

Role Summary:
- Contribute to the SERENE research group by supporting its research goals.
- Collaborate on research developing and implementing ionospheric models or measurement techniques.
- Analyze 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 as an ionospheric modelling, measurement technique, or ML/inverse methods expert within SERENE.
- Assist in the training and support of other early-career members of SERENE.

Main Duties:
- Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding.
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods.
- Collect research data through literature reviews, international collaboration, and data crawling.
- Develop algorithms to process and clean large and diverse ionospheric datasets.
- Share research findings through publications, research seminars, etc.
- Guide and mentor students on research-related work, offering support to PhD students.
- Undertake management/administration arising from research.
- Contribute to School research-related activities and administration.
- 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 measurement techniques, radio propagation.
- Experience in ionospheric physics and numerical simulation are essential.
- Experience in data assimilation is desirable.
- Strong analytical capability.
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
- Collaborate on the planning and organizing of research programmes.
- Coordinate work with others to ensure synergy and avoid duplication of effort.
- 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.

UK and International Travel may be required for this role.