Job Description
The Research Fellow will work in collaboration with a team at Met ireann and international colleagues to contribute to research and developments in UV Index. The primary role of the UV Index Postdoctoral Researcher will be to work on the calculation and forecast modelling of UV Index for all regions of Ireland to provide definitive data for general public warnings. The successful candidate will be required to work at Met ireann HQ, Glasnevin Hill, Dublin 9, or Valentia Observatory, with some required on-site work based at Valentia Observatory, located at Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. Where possible, the successful candidates may be authorised to work remotely in line with approved policies for workplace attendance. Met ireann is collaborating with Healthy Ireland and the National Cancer Control programme in the development of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Action Plan. UV light has a substantial effect on our skin, which has been characterised well and documented throughout literature. Excessive exposure to UV radiation leads to several harmful health effects on the skin through sunburn, melanoma, and non-melanoma carcinoma, on the eye through cataracts, pterygium (growth of conjunctiva in eye), and photo conjunctivitis (inflammation of conjunctiva), photo keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), and suppression of the immune system. The incoming solar radiation at the Earths surface consists of radiations of different wavelengths such as the visible and infrared, but also the UV (Ultraviolet) bandwidth. The UV radiation takes up a small portion of the total solar irradiance (usually about 57%) but is a key component for the sustenance of life on Earth. The most important benefit of human exposure to UV radiation is the production of vitamin D that contributes to a strengthening of the bones. Additionally, exposure to controlled doses of UV radiation helps in treating several human skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, localized scleroderma, and vitiligo. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide (NO) produced from UV has antimicrobial effects and generally improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure. On the other hand, excessive exposure to UV radiation leads to several harmful health effects on the skin and eyes, as mentioned above in addition to suppression of the immune system. Thus, it is important for people to control their exposure to UV radiation. The UV Index was introduced in Canada in 1992 in response to growing concerns about the potential increase of ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to ozone depletion. The index was adopted as a standard indicator of UV levels by the World Meteorological Organization and World Health Organization in 1994. UV index values are determined from measurements made by ground-based spectrometers, broad-band filter radiometers and multi-filter radiometers. Radiative transfer models are used to estimate UV Index values from other types of geophysical observations, primarily column ozone and cloud thickness. UV Index values can also be retrieved from satellite measurements of atmospheric ozone and cloud cover. Since its introduction, the UV Index has become a widely used parameter to characterize solar UV. Information about it can be useful for helping people avoid excessive levels of UV radiation. Forecasts of UV Index values are now widely available worldwide and are intended to be used by the public as a guide to avoid excessive exposure to UV radiation in their respective countries. Factors affecting the UV Index include sun elevation, total amount of ozone in the atmosphere, cloud cover, reflection from snow and local pollution. Skills: Research Academic Technical