Research Assistant / Post-Doctoral Research Associate

About the Role

This 2-year post is to conduct world-leading research on the topic of methane emissions from shipping. It is part of a large international study (US, UK, Denmark, Netherlands) to conduct multi-scale measurements of methane emissions from liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping. Queen Mary University of London will lead on measurement of fugitive and vented emissions from ships, as well as assisting in engine stack measurements. We will also lead in conducting multi-ship modelling to better understand emissions and how to reduce them. The role will involve a combination of on-ship measurements, creating innovative emissions models and writing high-impact peer-reviewed outputs.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a project that is likely to have a sizable impact on international policy and on reducing emissions, so we welcome candidates with enthusiasm and dedication to climate change mitigation.

About You

A PhD in measuring/modelling methane emissions is desirable, but not essential. Expertise in methane measurement is particularly desirable. Expertise in one or more of the following is essential:

• Methane emissions measurement
• Methane emissions modelling, reporting, inventories
• Shipping emissions monitoring
• Industrial emissions quantification
• Working at sea

The candidate should be willing to spend periods with the research team on ships to conduct measurements. We are looking for an enthusiastic engineer or atmospheric scientist capable of not just conducting measurements, but understanding them in context: what do the emissions mean, where do they come from, and how can they be reduced?

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

This project will be conducted within Dr Paul Balcombe’s research group. The group includes physicists, engineers, data scientists and policy experts, with a core focus on understanding emissions from gaseous energy supply chains. We conduct measurements and combine disparate data sources to develop a better understanding of emissions, and flow right through to recommendations to policy makers and industry on the fastest routes to emissions reductions.

The project is a large consortium funded by a US environmental NGO, involving multi-scale measurements (bottom-up and drone-based) of LNG carrier ships, modelling, and the publication of both peer-reviewed papers and policy briefs for the International Maritime Organization.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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