Research Associate - Ionospheric Radio Propagation

About us

We are a research-intensive university with a physics/engineering Group in Space, Telecommunications and Atmospheric Research (STAR). STAR follows from the Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science (CSAOS), with activities in this area starting in 1998 at Bath. STAR Members have leading expertise in antennas and propagation, communication and navigation systems (including GNSS), ionospheric radio science, remote sensing, earth observation, signal processing, image processing, and data assimilation.

About the role

We are seeking Research Associates to study large-to-small scale ionospheric irregularities by utilising new evidence from EISCAT_3D together with evidence from any other relevant datasets as well as to model and characterise propagation disturbances induced by ionospheric irregularities on radio signals (for example, satellites and radio objects). 

The NERC-funded FINESSE project will exploit a new and unique (also NERC-funded) incoherent scatter radar system, EISCAT_3D, located in northern Scandinavia and capable of 3D imaging of the ionosphere. 

The UK along with the rest of the world is becoming increasingly dependent on technological systems, such as satellite telecommunications and satellite navigation, that are at risk from adverse space weather conditions. This risk manifests through plasma instabilities in the ionosphere which originate electron density irregularities that induce propagation disturbances on radio signals such as from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems).

One of the main objectives of the FINESSE project is to determine the origin of large-to-small scale ionospheric irregularities, to understand how this leads to scintillation of radio signals at various frequencies, and how this impacts applications.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• studying large-to-small scale irregularities and to model their propagation disturbances (i.e., scintillation, temporal TEC fluctuations); 
• studying the impact of ionospheric propagation disturbances on applications and how EISCAT_3D could be utilised in space weather alerts;
• conducting individual and collaborative research within this project;
• contributing to the execution of the project;
• analysing data from EISCAT_3D, ground and spaceborne GNSS, KAIRA, scintillation monitors, ionosondes, incoherent scatter radars and other instruments of relevance;
• disseminating project results (by means of project reports, peer-reviewed publications);
• actively participating in project meetings as well as Departmental and Group meetings;
• Within this role you will work in a dynamic environment whilst building your research profile in space weather science. You will be supported to travel to meetings and to share your research with the wider community as opportunities arise throughout the project.

There are two positions available, both full time, fixed term from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.

About you

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD or equivalent in GNSS, space physics, space engineering, or any other area closely related to the project;
• Familiarity with GNSS data;
• Familiarity with ionospheric radio science (for example, incoherent scatter radars, propagation effects due to TEC and scintillation);
• Ability to carry out research work and to disseminate results;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Passion and self-motivation
• A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded. 

What we can offer you:

• A very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• We are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• A number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.