Postdoctoral Research Associate in Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Modelling
Part-Time (14 hours per week, over 2 days). Fixed-Term until 31 January 2026
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 DEFRA-funded ‘Direct Measurement of Landfill Methane Emissions 2’ project, will test methodologies to improve quantification of methane emissions from landfill sites. We seek a part-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the experienced and internationally-renowned Greenhouse Gas Research team to work on this project and other group projects involving periodic isotopic analysis of methane and compilation of long-term greenhouse gas records from flask sampling at global stations.
The successful candidate should be able to start the post between 1 November and 1 December 2024.
The Landfill Emissions project is co-ordinated by the National Physical laboratory (NPL) with partners RHUL, Ricardo and University of Southampton. 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 this project.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 to sample on site for isotopic analysis at RHUL and set up ethane releases as a tracer gas on selected sites.Tasks will include the production of survey outputs including spatial mapping of methane concentrations and quantification of fluxes using tracer release and Gaussian plume methods. It is expected that the post-holder will work closely with co-investigators at NPL and the University of Southampton and other project partners, prepare quarterly reports of results and present the project outcomes to DEFRA and other stakeholders.
The post-holder is expected to pursue opportunities arising for ECR within RHUL in support of career development.
You will have 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 field and laboratory measurements of greenhouse gases, isotopic measurement, GIS and statistical analysis, experience in atmospheric modelling techniques (such as Gaussian or Lagrangian plume modelling) and coding (preferably 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 entitlementTraining 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 parkingThe university has adopted hybrid working for some roles and so some remote working would be possible for this role.
The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the university 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 d.lowry@rhul.ac.uk or Dr. Rebecca Fisher on R.E.Fisher@rhul.ac.uk.
For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.ukPlease quote the reference: 0924-283
Closing Date: 23:59, 11 October 2024
Interview Date: To be confirmed