Redeployment Only - Research Assistant in Atmospheric Science

Cardiff University; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Cardiff is seeking a Research Assistant to conduct critical research on emissions of nitrogen oxides using advanced remote sensing techniques. The successful candidate will engage in high-quality academic research, perform air quality simulations, and contribute to research publications. A degree in a relevant discipline is required, with a PhD preferred. Opportunities for career development and flexible working arrangements are provided.

Benefits

Travel funds for conferences

Access to high performance computing resources

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques within remote sensing.
• Proven ability to analyse complex information.
• Excellent organisational and team-working skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct air pollution research using remote sensing.
• Perform air quality simulations with GEOS-Chem model.
• Present research at conferences and support research publications.

Skills

Remote sensing techniques

Chemical transport modeling

Programming in Python

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (desirable)

Tools

High performance computing environments

Job description

The RA will work with Dr. Omar Nawaz, a Lecturer in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and colleagues from the EDF to develop an approach for estimating emissions of nitrogen oxides from the oil and gas sector in Mexico. They will leverage Methane emissions from a new remote sensing instrument launched by the EDF, MethaneSAT, to achieve this. Additionally, they will perform chemical transport modeling using the GEOS-Chem High Performance (GCHP) model, to estimate how newly derived oil and gas emissions of nitrogen oxides in Mexico affect regional air quality. This project includes travel funds set aside to attend an international conference; this will likely be the European Geophysical Union meeting for 2026 but ultimately it is up to the successful applicant to decide. Additionally, this project has funding for high performance computing resources that the applicant will have access to. In addition to their primary research duties, the RA will be expected to contribute to work of high quality, communicate their research at national and/or international meetings, and support the development of collaborative research grants. The successful applicant will have experience in Atmospheric Science, Geography, Environmental Engineering or a relevant environment-related subject. Specific time will be devoted for working with the successful applicant on career development to help prepare them for the next step in their research career. In this role, you will:

Responsibilities

• Conduct air pollution research, including the derivation of nitrogen oxide emissions using methane remote sensing and data from the ESA TROPOMI instrument.
• Perform air quality simulations using the GEOS-Chem High Performance chemical transport model.
• Contribute to high quality academic research, present at conferences, and support the academic output and reputation of the School and University; carry out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research; pursue excellence in research and inspire others; undertake research by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting, and recording the outcome of desktop research.
• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners.
• Contribute and support research publications and presentations as required.
• Contribute and support research funding bids as required.
• Analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages.
• Resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate.
• Provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team.
• Maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
• Participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Undertake personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques within remote sensing and/or chemical transport modeling, including experience working in high performance computing environments.
• Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately using programming languages such as Python.
• Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences.
• A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to develop applications to funding bodies.
• Excellent organisational and team‑working skills.
• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamwork within work.
• Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience (desirable).
• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Proven ability to work without close supervision.
• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.