Postdoctoral Research Associate in Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Modelling

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Department of Earth Science
Location:  Egham
Salary:  £39,233 per annum - including London Allowance
This is the expected starting salary for this post however appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role.
Post Type:  Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Tuesday 12 March 2024
Reference:  1123-489-R

Full-Time, Fixed-Term of 20 months with the possibility of extension

Recent record-breaking global atmospheric methane growth rates have increased the challenge of meeting Net Zero targets by 2050. Large cuts in methane emissions are needed this decade to slow global temperature rise, and remediation targets need to be urgently identified. The new NERC-funded MOMENTUM (Mobile Observations and quantification of Methane Emissions to inform National Targeting, Upscaling and Mitigation) project, will use mobile greenhouse gas measurements to improve quantification of emissions from individual methane sources and identify priority mitigation targets. We seek a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the experienced and internationally-renowned Greenhouse Gas Research team to work on this project. The successful candidate should be able to start the post between 1 May and 1 July 2024.

The MOMENTUM project focuses on the identification, characterisation and quantification of methane sources in the UK, and will include a range of targets, including gas installations and leaks, landfill sites, biogas plants, wastewater treatment plants and farms. RHUL hosts the NERC-funded MIGGAS (Mobile Integrated Greenhouse Gas Assessment System), a hybrid vehicle for mobile surveys that houses a selection of 6 different instruments, that will be used widely throughout MOMENTUM. Two of these instruments are suitable for walkover surveys, one of which is planned for UAV deployment using the RHUL OMNIDROME facility. Since commencing mobile ground GHG surveys in 2013 the group has been involved in a range of high profile research projects (e.g. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66811312 ) and high impact publications.

The post-holder will plan field campaigns, set up the vehicle and manage (and troubleshoot) instruments during surveys. A key responsibility will be improving and developing the data processing tools and ability for rapid interpretation, with the production of survey outputs including spatial mapping of methane concentrations and quantification of fluxes. Ideally the post-holder will develop algorithms / software for in car interpretation of data, and methodology to speed up post-processing and modelling of emissions. It is expected that the post-holder will work closely with co-investigators at the University of Manchester and other project partners, prepare and lead research publications in high impact journals and present the project outcomes at major international conferences and stakeholder meetings.

The MOMENTUM project is wide ranging in scope and it is hoped that the successful candidate can develop their own independent research interests within the parameters of the project under the direction of the PI. The post-holder is expected to pursue opportunities arising for ECR within RHUL in support of career development.

You will have (or expect to have very soon) a PhD or equivalent qualification in an analytical or mathematical science subject and be computer literate in a wide range of software packages. Skills that will be very useful for the project include GIS, statistical analysis, experience in atmospheric modelling techniques (such as Gaussian or Lagrangian plume modelling) and coding (preferably R and Python). Experience of handling large datasets and familiarisation with instruments that measure atmospheric gases will be highly beneficial for this post, as will previous experience of publishing and communicating scientific research. You must able to schedule and prioritise your own workload, be willing to travel within the UK and lead field campaigns with the MIGGAS survey vehicle.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement

• Training and Development opportunities

• Universities Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution

• Access to various work place schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with

the cost of Eyesight testing

• Free parking

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the College is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr. David Lowry on [email protected] or Dr. Rebecca Fisher on [email protected] .

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: [email protected]

Please quote the reference: 1123-489-R

Closing Date: 23:59, 12 March 2024

Interview Date: Late March 2024

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page .