Antarctic Atmospheric Scientist – Antarctica

Halley research station primarily concentrates on atmospheric research from ground level into space and the successful candidate will face the challenges of a newly relocated station. Halley is an important observatory studying the Antarctic ozone "hole". Meteorology and Ozone Monitoring (MOM) makes regular measurements of the stratospheric ozone content, and participates in international projects to measure trace chemicals, which are instrumental in the processes leading to ozone depletion. Other background pollution studies include taking snow and air samples for later isotopic and trace gas analysis in the UK. The Clean Air Sector Laboratory (CASLab) is the UK’s primary research facility for polar atmospheric chemistry. BAS operates a programme of routine measurements, as well as enhanced science campaigns, to study this clean background atmosphere, and how it links to wider global processes.

The station makes meteorological observations using an interactive, PC-based Automatic Weather Station, designed to facilitate data gathering and analysis and may make more frequent observations for aircraft. Regular upper air soundings are made using balloon-borne radio sondes. Additional observations and measurements are also made throughout the day.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the atmospheric science equipment in good working order, maintaining the quality of the data and managing its transfer to electronic storage. Each scientist is a member of a small multi-disciplinary team of scientists and support staff; and as such, they are expected to be adaptable and work on other programmes and to take their share of general base work. As the station is isolated for most of the year, the ability to work without detailed supervision and to solve problems as they arise is paramount.

This will be a challenging and demanding opportunity to work in an extreme and isolated environment. Applicants must therefore be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctica. You must be adaptable and willing to take on various tasks as they arise including a considerable amount of outdoor maintenance and general base work.

Purpose

The main responsibility of the job is to carry out the Atmospheric Science programme for the Station. For Halley, this is the Meteorology programme and the routine Atmospheric Chemistry programme.

Qualification

A degree or HND in physics, chemistry, geophysics, meteorology, electronic engineering or a related subject. Experience of using atmospheric chemistry instruments would be an advantage. An ability to solve problems and to be flexible are also key characteristics of the job.

Duties

a) To carry out the meteorological observations and scientific duties described in the Met Station Instructions (MSI) as agreed by the head of Meteorology and Ozone Monitoring (MOM) and to carry out routine atmospheric chemistry measurements which are part of the Tropospheric Chemistry (TROPCHEM) project.
b) To organise and carry out the work in a safe and professional way.
c) To keep all work areas in a tidy condition.
d) To report major problems to the head of MOM or TROPCHEM when they arise.
e) To maintain or repair faulty instrumentation when possible/appropriate.
f) To request replacement stores in a timely fashion.
g) To compile monthly and annual reports of the work undertaken.
h) To work with other staff to ensure that the operational and safety standards of the base are maintained.
i) To undertake general duties as required by the Base Commander.
j) To undertake other duties as required by the Director of BAS.

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.

Please quote reference: BAS 01/19

Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 31st March 2019
Interview date: 24th April 2019
Proposed start date: August 2019

BAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting equality in careers in science, we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme of activity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities and disabled people are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. We are open to a range of flexible working options including part-time or full-time employment as well as flexible hours due to caring or other commitments.

You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.