Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (Research and Education) in Air Quality - School of [...]

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor in Air Quality within its School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. The position involves leading research and teaching in air quality with a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates must have a PhD and postdoctoral experience, along with a proven publishing track record. The position is full-time with progression opportunities and is based in Birmingham.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Joins a diverse research community

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant specialist subject area is required.
• Postdoctoral research experience is essential.
• Demonstrated track record in high-quality academic publishing.

Responsibilities

• Deliver lectures and seminars to students.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Engage in innovative research and publish findings.

Skills

Research activity in air quality

Teaching commitment

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Evidence of publishing work

External research funding

Education

PhD in relevant subject area

Postdoctoral experience

Job description

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Grade 8 full‑time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606

Grade 9 full‑time starting salary is normally in the range £58,225 to £67,468 with potential progression once in post to £87,974

Grade: 8 or 9

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 1st February 2026

Academic Development Programme

New Assistant Professors will undertake a five‑year development programme, at the end of which they are expected to be promoted to Associate Professor. The programme consists of a variety of development opportunities and the time to reflect and develop.

Background

We are seeking to appoint an Assistant or Associate Professor in Air Quality in the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (GEES) at the University of Birmingham. The post will reinforce existing research and teaching activity in the world‑renowned Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) research theme. We welcome applications from candidates with research activity and interests within the broad remit of air quality to complement and expand our pre‑existing strengths. Potential areas of research include, but are not limited to, earth observation, atmospheric modelling, health impacts, and air quality data science and AI.

The role is advertised as a three‑legged contract with excellence in research, education and administration all expected, with candidates able to demonstrate a commitment to teaching and school service. Synergies with the other research themes within GEES will also be considered, including links to urban resilience and health inequalities, and research on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Evidence of a developing track record in publishing work of high academic quality and impact is essential, as is an emerging portfolio (or clear potential) of external research funding. Applicants must have a commitment to delivering excellent and inclusive teaching and learning at all levels (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, and supervising postgraduate taught and doctoral projects in their area of expertise), and to communicating the relevance and impact of their research to stakeholders.

Alongside research, the post holder will support delivery of the Environmental Sciences and Physical Geography undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes. Successful candidates will be involved in administrative tasks appropriate to their appointment grade, to support delivery of research, teaching and international impact within GEES.

There are significant opportunities for interdisciplinary research activities within the School and across campus, including with the Institute for Advanced Studies, Birmingham Institute for Forest Research (BIFoR), the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA), Centre for Urban Wellbeing (CUWB) and the Institute for Data and AI (IDAI). There is an expectation that appointees will engage internationally, building on the strong track record already established in the School through a Global Engagement strategy that has partnerships in e.g. Africa, Brazil, China, India and North America.

Role Summary

The role holder will be based in Edgbaston. The key duties and responsibilities will include but not be limited to: giving lectures and seminars and supervising undergraduate / postgraduate students, course development and innovation, taking an active part in examinations, carrying out innovative research and writing papers on topics relevant to the specialist subject area (this will include journals, books and other material), and obtaining research grant funding.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in a relevant specialist subject area, as well as postdoctoral experience. We are looking for candidates who will actively contribute to our portfolio and community, through pursuit of research that will bring new opportunities, synergies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will also have a track record in teaching at a higher education institution.

Appointments will be made at either an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level – please specify which role you are applying for in the application.

To download the full job description please click here: Grade 8 Grade 9

Informal enquiries to Nicholas Kettridge, email: [e-mail]

Equality and Diversity Statement

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.