PhD Position in Atmospheric Composition available at NUI Galway

We invite applications for a PhD position at the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies of the National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway). NUI Galway is a University with a strong focus on research, and a growing international profile, ranking among the top 1% of Universities in the world. The Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS) is one of four thematic research centers of NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute. The Centre consolidates research interests in the areas of climate change and air pollution, enabling physical, chemical, and biological sciences, socio-economic impacts, and policy development.  

The PhD position will be to join the C-CAPS Aerosol Mass Spectrometry Unit, led by Dr. Jurgita Ovadnevaite, and focus on investigating a secondary marine aerosol formation in pristine conditions observed at Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station (macehead.org). Atmospheric Composition, influencing both air pollution and climate change, has had a 60-year profile in NUI Galway’s research history, growing in scale and importance with Mace Head being one of the most recognized and respected facilities both nationally and internationally. It has ~1,000 publications associated with it, leading to >3,000 citations per year, and an h-index of 92. The facility continues to grow in national and international importance, breaking new grounds, not only in terms of operational monitoring of new pollutants in the atmosphere and delivery of real-time in-situ and remote sensing data but also in terms of fundamental research with the highest impact. To underpin the research into the secondary aerosol formation and its effects on cloud properties and climate, the candidate will work with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including a High-Resolution Time of Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) and a chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS). The research will also involve international collaborations across Europe, the USA, and China with our long-established partners in the fields of atmospheric composition, climate, and health. 

We seek excellent applicants who, by the starting date of the PhD, have a first or upper second class honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Physical Sciences, or completed a Masters degree in Atmospheric Sciences. Previous research experience is particularly valuable. The PhD scholarship will  cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of €16,000/year.  

To Apply: Applicants should submit a CV, two letters of recommendation (max 2-page each), and a personal statement outlining their academic experience, interests, and motivation for pursuing a PhD (max 1-page) via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to ei.yawlagiun@scisyhp.
Please put PhD in Atmospheric Composition in the subject line of the e-mail application.  

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 PM Irish Time on Monday 17th May 2021.  

Start date is Autumn 2021. 

National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer.