Research Associate (CEE)

Location: South Kensington

About the role:

An opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to conduct research into the modelling and impact assessment of aviation emissions and contrails as part of the NERC-funded project called COBALT (Contrail OBservations And Lifecycle Tracking).

The COBALT project aims to improve understanding of aviation’s contrail climate impact by using a combined observations-modelling approach, combining inter-disciplinary expertise in contrail modelling, cloud physics and satellite observations with new analysis techniques, field observations experience and instrumentation.

This is a full time, fixed term post until 9 May 2026 in the first instance.

What you would be doing:

You will lead research evaluating contrails models in comparison to a state-of-the-art dataset of contrail observations. You will work in the following areas:

• Preparation of data: collecting and compiling data,
• Aircraft scale contrail model evaluation,
• Dissemination of data.

You will also use existing models and data streams as well as be expected to refine and improve model accuracy and performance and will collaborate with internal and external researchers at the University of Leeds, STFC and the Met Office.

What we are looking for:

• Hold a PhD related to aviation and the environment, atmospheric physics, climate science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Practical experience within research on aviation and its environmental impacts, atmospheric physics, climate science, or air transport systems
• Dealing with sponsors and other collaborators
• Approaches for modelling aircraft emissions and contrails
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What we can offer you:

• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)

Further Information

As Imperial College staff, in addition to a competitive salary and package of attractive terms and conditions of service, we offer many more benefits to enjoy. This includes career development tailored to your ambitions, an attractive pension scheme, and generous family leave packages. We have a flexible, supportive work environment and encourage you to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance!

For informal enquiries and information about the post please contact:

Dr Marc Stettler (m.stettler@imperial.ac.uk).

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to:

Briony Webb (b.webb@imperial.ac.uk).

Full information about the post is available in the job description.

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