CEDAR email: Research Fellow in Modelling of the Mesosphere, Lower Thermosphere and Ionosphere - University of Leeds

[John Plane]

The mesosphere / lower thermosphere and the overlapping D and E region ionospheres (MLTI) are the least understood region of Earth's atmosphere but form a critical transition region between the atmosphere and geospace. MLTI variability can have a significant impact on over-the-horizon high frequency radio communications and global navigation satellite system signals. Atmospheric waves propagating from the MLTI are also a source of variability for the space weather region and can impact the atmospheric drag experienced by low earth orbit satellites.
We are looking to appoint a Research Fellow who will hold a joint position in the School of Chemistry and in the School of Physics and Astronomy, for a term of 2 years in the first instance. The Research Fellow will study short-term variability around the mesopause and the D- and E-regions caused by 1) space weather including energetic particle precipitation and solar flares and 2) dynamical forcing from the lower atmosphere. A focus here will be on modelling and understanding of the global occurrence of Sporadic E layers. Using long-term Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) simulations, you will also explore climate change impacts on MLTI due to projected changes in greenhouse gases and the recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer over the 21st century. You will be analysing large quantities of model data as well as heterogeneous sets of observations as you quantify MLTI variability using analysis methods suitable for handling 'big data' in an open-science and collaborative environment.
You should have a PhD (or have submitted your thesis before taking up the role) in Atmospheric Physics, Atmospheric Chemistry, Space Physics, Applied Mathematics, Geophysics or a closely allied discipline, together with a strong background in computer programming, code development and using large numerical codes and/or datasets. Experience of working directly on research problems related to the earth's MLTI would be beneficial. The job advertisement and further particulars can be viewed at http://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/EPSCH1049. The closing date for applications is 24 October 2021.

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John Plane and Daniel Marsh
School of Chemistry and School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Leeds
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds LS2 9JT
U.K.

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