Research Assistant in Atmospheric Science

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the team of Dr. Omar Nawaz in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales. 

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant (RA) based in Cardiff, Wales with expertise in atmospheric modeling and/or remote sensing. The successful applicant will lead the research for a Wellcome Trust project entitled: “Maximizing health benefits from reducing oil and gas emissions: novel approaches to health impact assessment”. This is an exciting opportunity to connect atmospheric research to health and policy advocacy through collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a US non-profit environmental advocacy group.

The RA will work with Dr. Omar Nawaz, a Lecturer in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and colleagues from the EDF to develop an approach for estimating emissions of nitrogen oxides from the oil and gas sector in Mexico. They will leverage Methane emissions from a new remote sensing instrument launched by the EDF, MethaneSAT, to achieve this. Additionally, they will perform chemical transport modeling using the GEOS-Chem High Performance (GCHP) model, to estimate how newly derived oil and gas emissions of nitrogen oxides in Mexico affect regional air quality. This project includes travel funds set aside to attend an international conference; this will likely be the European Geophysical Union meeting for 2026 but ultimately it is up to the successful applicant to decide. Additionally, this project has funding for high performance computing resources that the applicant will have access to.

In addition to their primary research duties, the RA will be expected to contribute to work of high quality, communicate their research at national and/or international meetings, and support the development of collaborative research grants. The successful applicant will have experience in Atmospheric Science, Geography, Environmental Engineering or a relevant environment-related subject. Specific time will be devoted for working with the successful applicant on career development to help prepare them for the next step in their research career.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct air pollution research, including the derivation of nitrogen oxide emissions using methane remote sensing and data from the ESA TROPOMI instrument.
• Perform air quality simulations using the GEOS-Chem High Performance chemical transport model.
• Contribute to high quality academic research, present at conferences, and support the academic output and reputation of the School and University.

We’d like to hear from you if you have a:

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques within remote sensing and/or chemical transport modeling including experience working in high performance computing environments.
• Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately using programming languages such as Python.
• Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences

We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter.

Please contact Dr. Omar Nawaz (nawazm3@cardiff.ac.uk) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role or for more information about the School and working at Cardiff University please contact Claudia Peña (EarthHR@cardiff.ac.uk).

This post is full-time, fixed-term for a period of 12 months and available immediately.

Closing date: Monday, 26 January 2026

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