Research Assistant/Associate in Environmental Impacts of Aircraft (Fixed Term)

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

Job summary

University of Cambridge's Department of Engineering invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Environmental Impacts of Next-Generation Aircraft, to develop aircraft emissions and air quality models as part of the EU SESAR project ZENITIA. The post is based at the Whittle Laboratory and collaborates with UC3M, Imperial, TU Delft and Boeing.

The role covers building global emissions inventories to 2050, near-airport air quality modelling, coordinating with consortium partners,

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field or close to completion.
• Experience in modelling physical systems such as atmospheric modelling, propulsion, combustion or fluid dynamics.
• Strong programming skills and ability to publish results.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop global emissions inventories for current and next‑generation aircraft to 2050.
• Develop near-airport air quality modelling capabilities.
• Collaborate with consortium partners and contribute to deliverables.
• Publish and present research results.

Skills

strong scientific programming skills

experience in modelling physical sys

publication record

excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in aerospace, mechanical or chemical engineering or related field

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.

The key responsibilities and duties are:

• 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.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are:

• 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.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr Irene Dedoussi at [e-mail] for queries of a technical nature related to the role, and Juliet Teather at [e-mail] for queries related to the application process.

Please quote reference NM51382 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.