Research Assistant/Associate in Environmental Impacts of Future Aircraft

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering to quantify environmental impacts of future aircraft. You will build emissions and air quality models, collaborate with international partners, and publish results to inform aviation policy.

The role focuses on developing global emission inventories to 2050 and applying near-airport air quality modelling within the SESAR project. Strong programming and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in aerospace, mechanical/chemical engineering, atmospheric or environmental science, physics, or applied math.
• Experience in modelling physical systems (atmospheric modelling, propulsion, combustion or fluid dynamics).
• Strong scientific programming skills.
• A publication record appropriate to career stage and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Modelling

Scientific programming

Publication record

Communication skills

Education

PhD or near PhD in aerospace/ mechanical/ chemical engineering, atmospheric or environmental science, physics, applied mathematics or related field

Job description

Research Assistant/Associate in Environmental Impacts of Future Aircraft

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

GBP 34,610 - 46,049 per year

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.

Deadline: 3 November