Research Associate Air Quality Modeller

Research Associate Air Quality Modeller Location Hybrid work in Edinburgh : Salary - £29,733 - £38,463 (depending on experience) Hybrid working (50/50) Permanent Closing date for applications, 2 June 2024. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early. UKCEH is looking for an experienced Research Associate Air Quality Modeller to join our 600-strong team, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges. Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years. As a valued member of our team, you'll get:

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)
• 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers
• Flexible working opportunities
.. An opportunity has arisen for an Air Quality Modeller to join our small but established, and passionate team, within our Atmospheric Chemistry and Effects science area. Air quality is an ongoing issue in the UK and worldwide, impacting not only on human health but also biodiversity and ecosystem health negatively. Your role will involve understanding the causes of elevated pollution in the UK and exploring ways to improve air quality. The primary research focus is on assessing current UK air quality and globally, evaluating the effectiveness of different emission scenarios. As a Research Associate, you'll contribute to advancing the modelling of air pollution across various spatial scales, from global to urban, primarily utilising the EMEP-WRF atmospheric chemistry transport modelling system ( ). You will also act as a research scientist or data specialist in a specific research area, contributing data, outputs, and the development of new capabilities. As a Research Associate, you will enter our RA program, which offers a dedicated three-year training plan to kickstart your career with us. In the first two years, you'll dedicate up to 15% of your time to advancing your skill set, and up to 10% in the third year. Alongside on-the-job training and self-guided learning, you'll have access to online resources and in-person training courses. Some of the project you'll get involved in:
• Atmospheric Chemistry & Effects (ACE) projects:
• Net Zero -
You'll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that's committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Your main responsibilities:
• Lead project tasks, emphasising budget control and value for money to achieve outcomes for funders
• Format data or figures for documents, like project reports, ensuring alignment with UKCEH and funder needs
• Lead author for a quality assured dataset submitted to relevant data repository, or for published model code, data flow, software or other digital asset
• Perform reviews, data collection, or surveys to ensure consistent production of high-quality data or research outputs
• Provide substantial contributions to project reports, papers, and innovative methodologies
• Develop model code, data science methods, software/hardware, or scientific processes to achieve project goals and meet funder deadlines
• Provide requested information for marketing materials (i.e., webpages, PowerPoint presentations) to communicate your team's scientific results and significance effectively
• Propose and present analysis ideas in project or group meetings to enhance the delivery of scientific outcomes and impact
• Contribute ideas and text to proposals for sustainability of science strategy
• Suggest ways to communicate science and present at meetings or conferences
• Offer proactive suggestions or ideas for resolving research, development, monitoring, or experimental challenges in group or project meetings to help the team deliver its science
In this role, you will contribute to one or more research projects, demonstrating good judgment and seeking advice when necessary, while also presenting options and potential solutions for managers to consider. You should be able to organise and manage your own time effectively, communicate well with others about your area of activity, and help convey the value of UKCEH's work both internally and externally. For the role of Research Associate Air Quality Modeller, we're looking for somebody who has:
• A graduate or post-graduate (Masters) qualification (or equivalent relevant experience)
• An understanding of the wider context of atmospheric composition science, and its potential impacts at a national and international level
• The ability to work within agreed parameters to fulfil role responsibilities
• Effective communication skills for discussing challenging topics with staff at all levels
• An ability to identify key stakeholders/funders and understands their needs to develop partnerships
• The initiative, proposes ideas, and is committed to their own professional development
• A willingness to travel; UK and abroad, including South East Asia and Africa
If we've just described you, we'd love to meet. To apply, please send us your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which highlights any relevant skills and experience you feel would be well suited for this particular role. Whilst we do invite applications from international candidates, we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position