Position Overview & Specifications

Background/Overview:

The Earth’s radiation belts are a highly variable radiation environment, where the electron flux can change by orders of magnitude in hours, as the result of changing conditions emanating from the Sun. Understanding, modelling and ultimately predicting, this environment is important as many of the satellites that society relies on orbit through this region and are susceptible to damage or disruption by high-energy electrons from the belts. The Space Weather and Atmosphere (SWA) team at BAS is looking to hire a Space Weather Research Assistant to investigate the causes of the variability of the Earth’s radiation belts.

Purpose:

The main purpose of the job is to run the BAS radiation belt model for different physical sub-grid models and space weather scenarios and compare the results against data. The intention is to assess which sub-grid models lead to an improvement in the reconstruction of the radiation belts and whether they improve the forecasting skill. The job will also include help in preparing reports and papers on the results. While a knowledge of radiation belt physics would be an advantage, we welcome applications from candidates with appropriate backgrounds in related fields such as other aspects of space weather, solar physics, plasma physics, fusion physics and astrophysics.

Duties:

To run the BAS radiation belt model (BAS-RBM) for different sub-grid models and compare output against data

To manage large amounts of data and files on BAS computer systems

To provide regular updates and presentations at monthly intervals

To help prepare reports and papers on the results

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8.5 months

Salary: £31,931.00-£39,915.00 per year

Benefits: