Radiation Belt Scientist

BAS has a track record of world-leading research on the Earth’s radiation belts. This has resulted in the creation of the BAS Radiation Belt Model (BAS-RBM) that is now licensed to the Met. Office and provides hourly forecasts to the European Space Agency (ESA). Current research at BAS includes developing new models with extended energy ranges, improving our understanding of wave-particle interactions in the radiation belts, increasing our understanding of how to model storm-time dynamics, characterising precipitation into the atmosphere and incorporating data assimilation into radiation belt models. This work is supported by a mixture of grants, contracts and Ph.D. funding.

BAS is now seeking to appoint someone who can contribute to our research on radiation belt modelling and develop their skills to lead this work in the future.

The post can be appointed at either Band E or Band F, depending on experience. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate significant experience developing computational models and have a background in magnetospheric physics, preferably in radiation belt physics. Candidates with appropriate leadership experience and a proven ability to win competitive funding may be appointed at the higher band. For further details see the skills specification.

Band E

• Develop a leading role in BAS’s research on the radiation belts and expand its scope.
• Lead applications for grant funding.
• Publish papers.
• Attend conferences, giving presentations and publicising BAS research.
• Supervise Ph.D. students.

Band F – (in addition to those for Band E)

• Line manage junior scientists.
• Lead the development of new applications for existing and new customers.
• Lead the negotiation and definition of contracts with external bodies (e.g. ESA, Met Office).

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Background in magnetospheric physics.
• Significant experience in computational modelling.
• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in physics, maths or closely related field.
• Strong mathematical ability.
• Demonstratable programming ability.
• Experience of developing computational models.
• Experience of leading small teams of researchers. (Band F)
• Good network of contacts within the scientific field.
• Significant number of relevant publications.
• Track record of successful grant or fellowship applications. (Band F)
• Proficient in written and spoken English.

• Strong background in radiation belt physics.
• Experience working with radiation belt models.
• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in radiation belt physics.
• Good working knowledge of python, FORTRAN and GIT.
• Experience of leading software development.
• Experience supervising Ph.D. students.
• Demonstrate good presentation skills.
• Experience working with organisations outside academia.

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.

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.