PhD Studentship – Modelling Atmospheric Methane using Satellite and Aircraft data – NIWA

We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate for a three-year PhD studentship on modelling of atmospheric greenhouse gases at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in New Zealand. The student project will focus on using atmospheric models and observations from the MethaneSAT satellite and MethaneAIR aircraft campaigns to estimate CH4 emissions from agricultural processes.

MethaneSAT is a joint American and Aotearoa-New Zealand (Aotearoa-NZ) initiative to quantify anthropogenic methane emissions around the world using satellite data with unprecedented precision. Prior to launch, the student will use observations from MethaneAIR, an instrument nearly identical to MethaneSAT developed for operation onboard aircraft.

The successful applicant will collaborate closely with the MethaneSAT science team both in New Zealand and at Harvard University. The student will be expected to enroll as a PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), and they will be co-supervised by Beata Bukosa (NIWA), Sara Mikaloff Fletcher (NIWA) and Liz Keller (VUW). The candidate will physically be based at NIWA in Wellington, New Zealand, and be part of a multi-disciplinary research team working with atmospheric modelling and measurements. The student will also have the opportunity to spend time at Harvard University and work closely with the Harvard MethaneSAT team. Prospective candidates must have a background in chemistry, physics, Earth science, or related discipline, have an aptitude for mathematics, be proficient in one or more scientific programming language and with an UNIX environment.

The student must be eligible for acceptance to the Victoria University of Wellington PhD program, requiring a Masters or equivalent degree.

A scholarship will be provided. The start date will be in early to mid-2024 and we will accept applications until 18 February 2024. Please note time difference for overseas applicants. Applications should include a cover letter, a recent CV and evidence of eligibility for the Victoria University of Wellington PhD program.

Please direct questions and applications to Dr. Beata Bukosa ([email protected]) or Dr. Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher ([email protected])