The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.
We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.
The role
Accurately measuring greenhouse gas emissions from human activity is challenging. Static sensors only measure one point in space, but sensors mounted to unmanned aircraft are noisy and can only fly for a short time. We are addressing this challenge by building an autonomous, mobile gas flux tower, consisting of a helium-filled aerodynamic kite tethered to an autonomous ground vehicle. Multiple vehicles operating together will create high resolution maps of emissions and airflow, at unprecedented spatial resolutions.
The project will be carried out in a newly outfitted robotics facility at the University of Surrey, with access to the Environmental Flow Laboratory wind tunnel facilities, gas analysis laboratories, and outdoor test spaces. The project will include industrial collaboration for fieldwork at a variety of sites in southeast England, and the Ebro Delta in Spain.
About you
This project will fund two postdoctoral research fellows (PDRAs) for a period of two years. The PDRAs will join a multidisciplinary team in Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
PDRA1 will work on:
- Implementation of a mobile robot able to tow a helium-filled aerostat
- Coordinating field measurements and refining the overall robot system
- Writing reports and publications
- Supporting the project team and organising project meetings
PDRA2 will work on:
- Testing and refinement of a newly developed greenhouse gas sensor
- Analysis of data collected by robots
- Writing reports and publications
- Supporting the project team and organising project meetings
How to apply
The position is available to start immediately. Applications will be accepted until the post is filled.
Anyone with questions about the job or the application process can email d.birch@surrey.ac.uk to learn more.
For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.