Job Description

Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC) is recruiting. We are looking for an air quality scientist to join our research team.

CERC develops the world leading Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System (ADMS) family of models, which are used across many counties to calculate air pollutant concentrations in the vicinity of traffic, industry and other emissions sources. We also work on diverse consultancy and research projects relating to both toxic air pollutants and greenhouse gases, for a wide range of clients including government, industry and academia. CERC also provides operational cloud-based air quality forecasting and alert services for parts of the UK (London and South-East England, Manchester and York), Latvia and Malaysia. The company is based in central Cambridge and employs around 25 staff, approximately half of whom work within the development team.

The role and its requirements in more detail are:

* The role: Your work will typically involve manipulating the multiple datasets associated with running ADMS and other air quality models, specifically: air pollutant emissions, meteorological data, greenhouse gas data, pollutant concentration measurements and dispersion model outputs. You will develop skills associated with quantifying model performance for different applications and gain experience using a range of software packages, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The techniques you learn will help you to identify sources of error and uncertainty in the modelling process and allow you to develop a scientific understanding of air quality and other models. The work will involve report writing, taking part in meetings with project partners, and giving presentations at scientific meetings.

* Our requirements: You will have a strong background in physical science (e.g. maths, physics, chemistry, atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering) at graduate level or higher. You will be able to analyse and interpret data, documenting your conclusions clearly, for instance using graphical and tabular formats. An aptitude for programming is desirable, and experience using programming languages such as Python, R, Fortran, Microsoft Excel VBA or MATLAB would be useful.

Applicants will be required to work in a well-organised and conscientious way, with attention to detail, and be able to meet challenging deadlines. The ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English is also necessary. Although in recent years the large majority of client interaction has been online, the role may involve some travel in the UK and overseas.

CERC encourages and funds appropriate professional membership, usually with the Institute of Air Quality Management / Institution of Environmental Sciences. We offer opportunities for all staff to attend events such as webinars and conferences. We provide formal training through attendance of CERC’s training courses, and additional training when appropriate to your role.

Your salary is likely to be in the range £29,000 to £36,000, depending on your qualifications/skills and experience, and will be reviewed annually. You will be entitled to 25 days’ holiday per year, in addition to public holidays. In order to make sure that you and the position are a good match, you will initially be employed on a three-month probationary period. The post is initially full time, for two years, but may be made permanent. The successful candidate will typically be expected to work at least 4 days a week at CERC’s offices in central Cambridge, with up to 1 day a week from home by arrangement.

Please e-mail your CV, with a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role described above, to Winnie Piotrowski (no agencies please). When emailing, please be clear about the role you are applying for, quoting the code SSD24C. The closing date is 15th November 2024. We will invite selected candidates for interview within 2-3 weeks of the closing date. We do not sponsor applications for the right to work in the UK