Research Fellow - School of Engineering - 55027 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Birmingham’s Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) group is seeking a candidate to work on ionospheric data assimilation modelling and related topics. The role covers modelling, remote sensing, and coupling of the ionosphere-thermosphere system, with potential for collaboration across institutions.

The two-year post is based in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, with a fixed-term contract up to 31 August 2028.

Qualifications

• First degree in physics, mathematics, or similar with a higher degree relevant to ionospheric modelling and/or measurement techniques.
• Experience in ionospheric physics and numerical simulation is 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 planning and organizing research programmes.
• Coordinate work with others to ensure synergy and avoid duplication.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to SERENE research goals and collaborate on developing ionospheric models or measurement techniques.
• Analyze and interpret research findings and prepare reports and papers.
• Share work and represent SERENE at international conferences.
• Provide subject area support in ionospheric modelling, measurement techniques, or ML/inverse methods.
• Mentor and train early-career members and assist in research group administration.

Skills

Ionospheric physics

Numerical simulation

Data assimilation

Analytical skills

Communication

Resource planning

Education

Physics/Maths degree (higher degree or near completion in ionospheric modelling/measurement)

Job description

Job Description

Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 31st August 2028

Closing date: 3rd November 2026

UK and International Travel may be required for this role

Background

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 2-year 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.

You will join a group at the frontiers of innovation in its field. 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. This group is committed not just to academic pursuits, but also to practical applications that have real-world impact. Their work informs decision-making processes at various governmental and industrial levels, thereby playing a crucial role in the broader space weather community.

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

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• 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.

Informal enquiries to David Themens, email: [e-mail]

Use of AI in applications:

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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