Research Associate in international transport and climate change

Applications are invited for the above position with an immediate start to:

• Lead research activity within a UKERC project on aviation and shipping, ensuring coherence with the work of related academics at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford.
• Research alternative fuel supply chains to understand a wider fuel system context.
• Conduct qualitative interviews with stakeholders to understand the barriers, opportunities and interdependencies surrounding sustainable fuels for aviation.
• Connect with colleagues within the Decarbonising the UK Freight Network to establish common interests around which proposals can be developed.

Mitigating climate change across all sectors is essential. Two sectors that present particular challenges to successful CO2 mitigation are international aviation and shipping. While the shipping sector has many options for low-carbon propulsion, incentivising change is hugely problematic. For aviation, technological options are much more limited, leading attention to focus on demand reduction, offsetting, as well as the potential for sustainable aviation fuels. Set in a context where all sectors seek alternatives to fossil fuels, understanding the realistic proposition for sustainable aviation and shipping fuels in the timeframes dictated by the Paris Agreement is essential, and that is the overarching issue that this research associate role will focus upon.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, interdisciplinary researcher to join the Tyndall Centre’s vibrant team in Manchester to undertake a research associate role with two distinct elements:

1. To research the barriers and opportunities surrounding sustainable fuels for aviation in a pre-defined project funded by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC).
2. Through the EPSRC’s Decarbonising the UK’s Freight Transport Network, the applicant will build links to assist with the development of new proposals aligned with the Network.

The role would suit an interdisciplinary individual with a background in climate change mitigation, experienced in stakeholder engagement and qualitative research methods, but with a solid grasp of the quantitative aspects of energy systems and/or carbon budgeting. Ideally familiar with international aviation and/or shipping and alternative fuels such as biofuel, the candidate must have a strong publication record for career stage and demonstrable skills in contributing to successful research proposals. Being a good team worker is essential.

The successful applicant will be part of the School of Engineering based in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

Blended working arrangements may be considered       

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Name: Alice Larkin

Email: alice.larkin@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: hrservices@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.