Postdoctoral Research Associate in Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Modelling at Royal Holloway, University of London

(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 urgently identified. The 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 UK methane sources in the UK, including gas installations and leaks, landfill sites, biogas plants, wastewater treatment plants and farms. RHUL hosts the NERC-funded MIGGAS mobile survey vehicle, housing up to 5 instruments. Two are suitable for walkover surveys, one is planned for UAV deployment using the RHUL OMNIDROME facility. The group has been involved in a range of high profile research projects and high impact publications (e.g. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66811312). 

The post-holder will plan field campaigns, set up the vehicle and manage 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. The post-holder will work closely with co-investigators at the University of Manchester, prepare and lead research publications in high impact journals and present the project outcomes at UK and international 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 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 familiarity 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 be willing to travel within the UK and lead field campaigns with the survey vehicle.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package. The post is based in Egham, Surrey 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 application process queries contact the Human Resources Department at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk 

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above

Closing Date: 23:59, 11 March 2024

Interview Date: Late March 2024