Research Assistant or Associate in satellite-based contrail assessment

Applications are invited for a fully funded fixed-term at the Research Assistant/Associate (PostDoc) level in satellite-based contrail assessment. You will use satellite observations to quantify the impacts of fuel choice on aircraft condensation trail (contrail) impacts. The post will involve collaboration between Imperial College, Rolls-Royce, Heathrow Airport, and AirBP in progressing towards a world-first trial to empirically establish the effect of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on contrails.

You will use machine learning-based techniques to identify contrails in satellite imagery, attribute them to individual aircraft, and thereby understand which aircraft, flying on which routes, at which times of year, are most likely to produce observable contrails.

You will help to lead Imperial’s role in the aforementioned research project, including coordinating between project teams (internal and external) and research and development tasks necessary to ensure project success. This will include:

Contrail identification, tracking, and attribution in satellite data
Flight planning support
Post-trial analysis

Research Associate:Hold a PhD in aerospace engineering or physics or a closely related discipline*, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

Research Assistant:A first/masters degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.

Creative problem-solving skills and ability to work independently

*Candidates with a PhD in other disciplines may be eligible if they can demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and deep expertise in the development of complex computational models.

The opportunity to advance our understanding of, and ability to mitigate, climate change
The opportunity to interact with experts from Imperial in both aerospace engineering and atmospheric science
Access to a state-of-the-art, high performance computing cluster
You would work as part of a dynamic team working to enable truly sustainable aviation at the Brahmal Vasudevan Institute for Sustainable Aviation
The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading as well as opportunities for promotion and progression Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).