Kennaook / Cape Grim Science Program

Solar Radiation Program

Lead Scientist Opportunity – Expressions of interest sought

About the Kennaook / Cape Grim Science Program

The Kennaook / Cape Grim science program provides Australia and the world with information needed to understand the changing atmospheric composition of our region, and in doing so also provides key information about changes in the global atmosphere over decade time scales. We maintain ongoing measurements that characterise the changing nature of background levels of greenhouse gases, other trace species and atmospheric particles, and contribute to the understanding of processes that influence their levels.

Through this we contribute to national and international scientific assessments in support of environmental policy. Data from the Kennaook / Cape Grim Science Program is used by a wide and diverse group of end users, including the delivery into integrated products and services of relevance to researchers and policy makers.

The Science Program currently consists of 5 sub-programs, being Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depleting Substances (GG-ODS), Particles and Multiphase Atmospheric Chemistry (PMAC), Reactive Gases, Radon and Radiation. Each program is led by one or more Lead Scientists.

The Baseline Air Pollution Station is owned and operated by the Bureau of Meteorology. The Science Program is a successful long-term collaboration jointly managed by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, with contributions from numerous national and international bodies.

Solar Radiation Program background

Spectral solar radiation measurements have been made at Cape Grim since 1976, starting with hand-held sunphotometers. Recently solar spectral radiation measurements have been focused on three activities. The longest sequence of measurements has been of Aerosol Optical Depth (currently using 2 x Carter Scott SP02 sunphotometers), followed by measurements of UV-B radiation (primarily to quantify photolysis) and thirdly uing scattered solar radiation to assess both chemical composition and vertical structure (MAX-DOAS).

The Bureau of meteorology concurrently run a standard Bureau surface radiation site at Kennaook / Cape Grim.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a new Lead Scientist with proven ability to develop emerging and leading-edge science to lead the Kennaook / Cape Grim Solar Radiation Program. This is not a paid position. The Solar Radiation Lead Scientist will provide leadership in driving this long-term measurement program. The Lead Scientist will be responsible for delivery of quality-controlled data sets back to the program, and for placement of these to appropriate World Data Centres. The Lead Scientist will be part of the Kennaook / Cape Grim Science Program Working Group, which meets triannually. Site visits are financially supported and strongly encouraged. Equipment for ongoing monitoring programs is purchased by the Bureau through its capital program. Historically the Lead Scientist has contributed about 0.1-0.2 full-time equivalent and has the opportunity for the Cape Grim work to contribute to a broader academic or scientific pursuit.

Expressions of Interest

For further information, or to formally express an interest, please contact Sam Cleland, Chair of the Kennaook / Cape Grim Science Program Working Group by 20 June 2022.

Contact Details

Email: Sam.Cleland@bom.gov.au. Ph 03 62212153