University of Birmingham
Inverse Methods and Ionospheric Modelling Research Fellow - School of Engineering - 106995 - Grade 7
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Description – Space Environment and Radio Engineering Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Position Details
College: College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK Salary: £36,636 to £46,049 (with potential progression to £48,822 upon appointment), Grade 7 Contract: Full-time, Fixed-term (up to 3 years) Closing Date: 15th July 2026 Travel: May require UK and international travel
About the Role
The Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) group at the University of Birmingham is a leading research group specialising in space environment and space weather research. Their multidisciplinary approach covers:
- Upper atmosphere modelling (empirical, physics-based, and data assimilation techniques)
- Radio propagation
- Satellite orbit determination
- HF engineering
- Fundamental physics of small-scale ionospheric structures and non-linear radiation belt dynamics
This 3-year postdoctoral position supports the Ionospheric Climate - Global Reference Ionosphere (I-C-GloRI) European Research Council (ERC) project. The successful candidate will work in one of the following areas:
- Ionospheric empirical modelling
- D-Region ionospheric remote sensing
- Ionospheric radio propagation
Key responsibilities include:
- Engaging with the SERENE research group
- Developing and implementing ionospheric models or measurement techniques
- Research data assimilation, ionospheric modelling, and HF radio propagation model development
- Collaborating on first principles modelling of the coupled ionosphere-thermosphere system
- Supporting PhD students and contributing to research publications and conferences
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
SERENE’s models are used by over 100 institutions in 25+ countries, aiding both scientific research and space weather operational services. The group actively influences global and national space weather policies, bringing academic expertise to real-world applications.
About SERENE
SERENE plays a crucial role in shaping the space weather community, ensuring their research translates into actionable insights for governmental and industrial stakeholders.
Responsibilities
These responsibilities will vary, but may include:
- Developing new intellectual understanding through research applications.
- Contributing to the development of new models, techniques, and methods.
- Collecting research data via literature reviews, international collaboration, and data analysis.
- Developing and implementing algorithms for processing large ionospheric datasets.
- Publishing research findings through papers, seminars, and conferences.
- Mentoring students, particularly PhD researchers.
- Supporting management and administration related to research.
- Engaging in school-wide research activities.
- Promoting equality and diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment.
Person Specification
Academic Qualifications
- A first degree in physics, mathematics, or a relevant field.
- A higher degree (or near completion) in one or more of the following:
- Empirical modelling (any discipline)
- Machine learning (for data inversion or algorithmic applications)
- Inverse methods
- Ionospheric modelling or measurement techniques
- Radio propagation
- Equivalent experience or qualifications.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with nonlinear fitting techniques or inversion methods.
- Studies/research in ionospheric science or related systems.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong analytical capabilities.
- Ability to clearly communicate complex information.
- Effective resource management and planning.
- Collaborative approach, ensuring synergy and avoiding duplication in research.
- Experience with nonlinear numerical methods (e.g., defining model constraints, statistical validation).
- Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Informal Enquiries
Please contact David Themens via email: d.r.themens@bham.ac.uk.
For further insights into University values and behaviours, see [University Staff Values (external link)](try link).
Candidate Selection & AI Policy
The panel evaluates each application based on originality and representation of your unique skills. Applications that appear heavily reliant on AI drafting will be less likely to progress.
University Commitment to Diversity
The University of Birmingham champions diversity, equality, and accessibility. Achieving our mission relies on the richness of diversified backgrounds. Key commitments include:
- Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident accreditations.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives to ensure fairness and opportunity.
- Sustainability as a core pillar of our strategy.
For more details on our work to create an inclusive university, visit [Birmingham’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion webpage](external link).
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills