Post-Doctoral Methane Science Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices by providing leadership and encouraging partnership in caring for the environment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Post-Doctoral Methane Science Fellow will be an integral part of the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), a UNEP initiative focused on addressing methane emissions through innovative data collection and analysis. The Fellow will be responsible for collecting and analyzing field measurement data specifically from oil and gas-related emission sources. This role is crucial as it supports the overarching goal of IMEO to create a global public dataset of empirically verified methane emissions, particularly from fossil fuel sources. The Fellow will collaborate closely with the science team at IMEO, especially during measurement campaigns, and will be expected to produce deliverables that include final data sets and peer-reviewed publications. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about climate science and are eager to contribute to significant reductions in methane emissions through rigorous scientific research and data analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze field measurement data from oil and gas-related emission sources.
• Collaborate with the IMEO science team to design and implement measurement campaigns.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of data collected during field measurements.
• Prepare final data sets for public release and contribute to the development of peer-reviewed publications based on the findings.
• Work under the guidance of the IMEO Programme Management Officer to align research activities with the strategic goals of the observatory.
• Engage with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and industry partners, to disseminate findings and promote the use of data in policy-making.
• Stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in atmospheric science and methane emissions.

Required Qualifications:

• Recent PhD in atmospheric science, geology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in performing rigorous data analysis under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in a programming language suitable for analyzing large datasets, such as Python or R.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills and familiarity with atmospheric sampling techniques in field environments.
• Knowledge of methane emissions and their impact on climate change is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a recent PhD in atmospheric science, geology, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Fellow has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct high-level research and analysis in the field of methane emissions.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have experience in conducting rigorous data analysis, particularly in the context of environmental science or atmospheric studies. Experience working with large datasets and familiarity with programming languages for data analysis are critical. Additionally, the candidate should have a track record of meeting tight deadlines and producing high-quality research outputs, such as publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN, and may enhance communication within the organization and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.