Research Associate on Methane Emissions

Applications are invited for a fully funded postdoctoral position on the topic of methane emissions measurement at the Research Associate level within the School of Engineering and Material Sciences at Queen Mary University of London. The project is funded by NERC, under the supervision of Dr.Paul Balcombe. This project will be to design, build and test a new drone-based methane emissions measurement system. The work will focus on various aspects of measurement system design and testing, including assessing different sensing and hardware systems, developing a live data output and a post-processing emissions quantification algorithm.

The post holder will be responsible for research activities and the development of a drone-based methane monitoring system for industrial emissions quantification, alongside another postdoctoral researcher in aerial robotics and other project collaborators. You will perform research and development methane emissions monitoring techniques, specialising in developing and testing a new system including both hardware and the emissions quantification algorithm.

This is a really exciting opportunity to create a new way of measuring methane emissions, with a strong commercial sable potential and to contribute towards meeting climate change targets with better measurements.

Applicants should have a PhD (or equivalent) in atmospheric science, engineering or a related discipline for appointment at the Research Associate Level. Applicants must have a strong research track record in emissions measurement and/or modelling, preferably with relevant experience in methane and gas sensor systems. Experience in one or more of the following is essential:

• Sensor development


• Drone-based monitoring


• Atmospheric or emissions measurement


• Methane emissions modelling


• Industrial emissions quantification


• Uncertainty quantification of complex systems


The successful candidate will also closely work with and supervise PhD and MSc students, and actively disseminate key research findings through publications.

SEMS is a large School with 108 academics, more than 250 PhD students and over 2500 undergraduate students. The expertise of the School is readily available for this project. You can find out more about us by visiting: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/.

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.

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 including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.