Research Assistant/Associate in Environmental Impacts of Aircraft

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering to work on the Environmental Impacts of Next-Generation Aircraft within the EU-funded SESAR project ZENITIA. The post holder will join Dr Irene Dedoussi's group at the Whittle Laboratory and collaborate with partners including UC3M, Imperial, TU Delft and Boeing.

The role focuses on building emissions inventories and near-airport air quality modelling, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• PhD near completion in aerospace/chemical engineering, atmospheric or environmental science, physics, applied mathematics or related field.
• Experience modelling physical systems (e.g. atmospheric modelling, aircraft performance, propulsion, combustion or fluid dynamics).
• Strong scientific programming skills.
• Publication record appropriate to career stage and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop global emissions inventories for current and next-generation aircraft up to 2050, including landing/take-off modelling.
• Develop, evaluate and apply near-airport air quality modelling capabilities.
• Collaborate with consortium partners and contribute to project deliverables.

Skills

Publications

Scientific programming

Communication skills

Education

PhD (or near) in engineering/science

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Hydrogen and electric aircraft could transform aviation's climate and air quality footprint, but their environmental impacts remain poorly quantified.

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on the Environmental Impacts of Next-Generation Aircraft, developing aircraft emissions and air quality models as part of the EU-funded SESAR project ZENITIA.

The post holder will join Dr Irene Dedoussi's group at the Whittle Laboratory and work with project partners including UC3M, Imperial, TU Delft and Boeing. The research will inform airport and air traffic management and European aviation policy.

Key responsibilities and duties

• developing global emissions inventories for current and next-generation aircraft under scenarios to 2050, including landing and take-off modelling;
• developing, evaluating and applying near-airport air quality modelling capabilities;
• collaborating with consortium partners and contributing to project deliverables;
• publishing and presenting research results.

Skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role

• has obtained or is close to obtaining a PhD in aerospace, mechanical or chemical engineering, atmospheric or environmental science, physics, applied mathematics or a related field;
• experience in modelling physical systems (e.g. atmospheric modelling, aircraft performance, propulsion, combustion or fluid dynamics);
• strong scientific programming skills;
• a publication record appropriate to career stage and excellent communication skills.

Experience in aviation emissions, chemistry transport, dispersion or air quality modelling is desirable.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges

Research Assistant: £33,002 - £35,608

Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049

Fixed-term: The funding is for 24 months or until 28 February 2029, whichever of these comes soonest.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.