Research Associate in Global Greenhouse Gas and Halocarbon Modelling

Location: University of Bristol
Salary: £35,333 -£39,745 per annum
Contract Type: Open ended, fixed term funding until 31/03/2025
Reference: ACAD106567

This post represents a unique opportunity for a talented researcher with a strong background in physical sciences, mathematics or computing to join the £5M NERC-funded InHALE project (Investigating HALocarbon impacts on the global Environment). InHALE is a UK-wide collaboration between researchers studying a range of fields related to ozone depleting substances (ODSs) such as CFCs and HCFCs, and the potent greenhouse gases, HFCs. The Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group (ACRG) at the University of Bristol leads the project, focusing principally on measuring and modelling ODSs and HFCs in the atmosphere. Our measurements have shown that atmospheric abundances of ODSs have declined substantially since the signing of the landmark global environmental treaty, the Montreal Protocol, in 1987. However, our data and model analysis has also revealed likely breaches, highlighting the value of atmospheric monitoring to ensure the Montreal Protocol's continuing success.

The postholder will primarily be responsible for determining the drivers of global trends in ODS and HFC concentrations that we observe in atmospheric data. To do this, you will use and develop global atmospheric transport models of varying complexity. You will also develop Bayesian methods, which are used to infer emissions from the models and the data. Using these tools, you will calculate global atmospheric emissions of halocarbons, and compare the estimates to "bottom-up" (inventory- based) models. Where discrepancies exist, you will examine regional data and models, to determine the causes. Our previous work in this field has led to several publications in high-impact journals and has led to measurable real-world impact.

You will work closely with a team of approximately 10 researchers in the University of Bristol's School of Chemistry and School of Geographical Sciences, part of the Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group (ACRG), who are experts in the measurement and modelling of greenhouse gases.

Our team are key members of international activities such as the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE), with whom you will work closely. You will have the opportunity to participate in the development of the new machine learning approaches and a cloud-based GHG analysis platform, OpenGHG.org. Through InHALE you will work, on a day-to-day basis, with researchers from around the UK (and worldwide) studying the environmental impacts of ODSs and HFCs.

You should apply if

• You are an ambitious, self-motivated researcher who holds, or expects to obtain, a PhD in physical sciences, computing, mathematics, or similar fields.
• A high level of computational expertise is essential.
• Familiarity with Bayesian methods and or atmospheric science is desirable.
• Excellent communication and teamworking skills are essential.
• The contract will initially be for a 2-year period and can likely be extended, if mutually agreeable.
• The post is available to start as soon as possible.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Responsibilities

• Determine the drivers of global trends in ODS and HFC concentrations that we observe in atmospheric data by using, and further developing global atmospheric transport models of varying complexity including Bayesian methods.
• Use these tools to calculate global atmospheric emissions of halocarbons, and compare the estimates to "bottom-up" (inventory-based) models.
• Where discrepancies exist, you will examine regional data and models, to determine the causes
• Participate in the development of new machine learning approaches and a cloud-based GHG analysis platform, OpenGHG.org.
• Work with a team of 10 researchers and PhD students in the School of Geographical Sciences and Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group (ACRG), developing modelling infrastructure
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and at national and international conferences

Administration Responsibilities

• Disseminate findings to InHALE and AGAGE team meetings
• Contribute to stakeholder newsletters, annual reports and presentations within the project

For further details about the post you are invited to contact, Professor Matt Rigby matt.rigby@bristol.ac.uk

The application deadline is midnight on the closing date. If you need assistance, email sci-recruitment@bristol.ac.uk. Quote reference ACAD106567 on all correspondence.

Closing Date: Wednesday 08 February 2023

Interview Date: To be confirmed