Postdoctoral Research Scientist: climate effects of hydrogen

Can hydrogen really be a green fuel, or do its climate effects significantly offset the reductions in fossil fuel use? That is what you will be discovering in this exciting project that has the possibility to influence climate policy.  

Use of hydrogen (H2) in new, low carbon energy systems is developing rapidly. Consequently, we are expecting some H2 leakage to the atmosphere, and a likely increase in atmospheric concentrations, with uncertain implications. Our understanding of the effects of atmospheric H2 has many gaps. Hydrogen itself is not a direct greenhouse gas or a criteria air pollutant. However, it has indirect influences via atmospheric chemistry on methane, ozone, aerosols and stratospheric water vapour – and hence H2 increases have the potential to affect climate, stratospheric ozone, and air quality. Quantitative assessment of the significance of these environmental effects is crucial given the rapidly expanding hydrogen economy.

You will work as part of a wider UK team within the NERC HECTER (Hydrogen Emissions: Constraining the Earth system Response) project (a component of the UKRI Environmental response to hydrogen emissions programme). This is co-funded by the UK Government though the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The main role is to set up, run and analyse simulations using the UK Earth system model (UKESM1.1), to quantify how changes in hydrogen affect the composition of the atmosphere. An additional role is to set up and run a simple climate model (FaIR) to generate policy-relevant information on the effects of hydrogen leakage on climate. This will be original research carried forward to publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, and presented at national and international scientific meetings.

 You will have:

• PhD or equivalent in physical sciences or applied mathematics, or be close to attaining one
• Knowledge of quantitative atmospheric or climate sciences
• Experience in running climate or other atmospheric models.
• Scientific analysis skills

Informal contact details

Contact role: Principal Investigator
Contact name: Bill Collins
Contact phone: 0118 378 7976
Contact email: w.collins@reading.ac.uk

Alternative informal contact details

Contact role: Co-Investigator
Contact name: Keith Shine
Contact phone:0118 378 8405
Contact email: k.p.shine@reading.ac.uk

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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