Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate in Greenhouse Gas Inverse Modelling

Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Greenhouse Gas Inverse Modelling

We are recruiting a research associate to develop and use greenhouse gas modelling and data analysis frameworks for national and global emissions evaluation. This role will contribute to several exciting UK-wide and international projects, including:

• The UK Greenhouse gas Emissions Measurement and Modelling Advancement (GEMMA), developing the next-generation, operational greenhouse gas emissions evaluation system for the UK
• The Horizon Europe project, PARIS (Process Attribution for Regional emissions), which will work with 8 national inventory agencies to better European greenhouse gas emissions
• The NERC Highlight Topic InHALE (Investigating HALocarbon impacts on the global Environment), estimating regional emissions of potent greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances around the world
• The OpenGHG.org project, a cloud-based community platform for greenhouse gas data analysis

The post-holder will run numerical models that simulate the dispersion of greenhouse gases through the atmosphere. These models will be used, in Bayesian inference frameworks, to estimate surface fluxes from in situ and satellite observations. The derived emissions are used to track progress on climate agreements, improve national inventory reports, help decision makers effectively target mitigation measures, and learn about natural emissions changes.

The postholder will work with UK, European and other international greenhouse gas monitoring networks, to interpret measurement data using atmospheric models. They will have the opportunity to use and develop atmospheric models of varying complexity and examine regional emissions trends using high-resolution simulations and data. To combine the data and models, and estimate uncertainties, they will develop and use Bayesian “inverse modelling” techniques.

We are seeking an ambitious, self‑motivated researcher who holds a postgraduate qualification in physical sciences, computing, mathematics, or similar fields. A high level of computational expertise is essential. Familiarity with Bayesian methods and/or atmospheric science is desirable. Excellent communication and team working skills are essential.

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 01/02/2028.
Work pattern: Full time.
Grade: I‑J/Pathway 2.
School/Unit: School of Chemistry.
The advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 8th January 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 14th January 2026.
For informal queries, please contact:
Prof in the School of Chemistry, Matt Rigby

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.