PostDoc, MethaneSAT Science

EDF seeks a recent PhD recipient with proven research, analysis, and writing skills to work collaboratively with scientists and technologists from MethaneSAT, EDF and external partners with the overarching goal of exploiting MethaneSAT data for the quantification of global anthropogenic methane emissions (especially from the oil and gas sector). With an interest in methane satellite sensing, you will synthesize, interpret, and communicate scientific results obtained from MethaneSAT data and potentially other satellite, airborne and in situ methane data streams.

Office of Chief Scientist

The Office of Chief Scientist (OCS) is the nexus of science at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, OCS provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization. The OCS team works on projects across all of EDF’s programs, translating natural and social science basic and applied research into actionable ideas for colleagues who are designing programs and projects.

EDF has set an ambitious goal to achieve a 45% cut in global methane pollution from the Oil and Gas supply chain by 2025 in an effort to reduce the rate of warming we will experience over the next 20 years, equivalent to closing one third of the world’s coal fired power plants. In order to map and quantify methane emissions globally, MethaneSAT will provide quantitative methane emissions data covering the majority of global oil and gas production.

Overall Function

The PostDoc MethaneSAT Science will work on the evaluation, improvement and analysis of the MethaneSAT data products, and on the scientific exploitation of this data to improve our knowledge of methane sources around the globe, including (but not limited to) those from the oil and gas sector. This work may involve tasks including the assessment of MethaneSAT’s XCH4 retrieval uncertainties and plume detection limits, the development of automatic plume detection and quantification methods, and the analysis of methane data from MethaneSAT and other satellites, and data sources in line with the scientific objectives of MethaneSAT and EDF.

The PostDoc MethaneSAT Science will work with scientists, analysts and technologists from MethaneSAT, EDF and our external partners and collaborators, and report to will report to the Lead Senior Scientist, MethaneSAT Science.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Lead and participate in activities related to the exploitation of MethaneSAT data, which may include the assessment of data quality, the generation of value-added products, and their scientific analysis.
• Contribute to the development of data processing methods for MethaneAIR and MethaneSAT, including new approaches for plume detection.
• Conduct rigorous research and analysis of quantitative oil and gas methane emissions data and emission sources, utilizing existing and planned multi-scale measurement data from satellites, airborne, and ground-based observation platforms.
• Work in collaboration with data analysts at UNEP responsible for the IMEO-MARS plume detection and the IMEO methane integration activities.
• Lead and participate in the preparation of scientific papers and reports.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience 

• A recent Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science and Engineering, Earth System Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience with remote sensing methods and/or modeling (e.g. WRF-LES) for atmospheric applications.
• Experience on the use of satellite data for the detection and quantification of methane point sources strongly preferred.
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills and knowledge in statistics; preference for proficiency in Python or a similar language allowing analysis of large data sets.
• Knowledge or proficiency in geospatial data analytics and tools would be an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Verbal and written fluency in English is essential, with a secondary European language desirable.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Commitment to mirroring EDF values in day-to-day work – results, respect, innovation, optimism & integrity. 
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.

Term

This is a 2 Year Fixed Term Contract position.

Compensation

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization.

Eligibility 

You must have the right to live and work in the EU or UK for the duration of the position when applying. 

Location 

We offer flexible working and welcome hybrid working from home and from our partnerships Utrecht University (NL) and in Berlin (DE). UK is fully remote.

How to Apply

Please include a CV & cover/motivation letter with your application by 5 p.m. CET on Friday, February 28, 2025

Annual Compensation:

Germany: 57,000-62,500 EUR

Netherlands: 50,000-60,000 EUR

UK: 48,000-55,000 GBP