IMEO Post-Doctoral Methane Science Fellow
Support IMEO in methane emission characterization through data collection and analysis.
Overview
Support IMEO in methane emission characterization through data collection and analysis.
You have:
- PhD in atmospheric science, geology or a related field
- Experience in leading the coordination of science field campaigns
- Experience in performing rigorous analysis with short deadlines
- Expertise in a programming language for analysis of large data sets
- Strong proficiency in quantitative analysis and knowledge of atmospheric sampling in a field environment
- Knowledge of the inventories and atmospheric models currently used for emissions estimates
Contract
This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.
Result of Service
The consultant will support IMEO in the characterization of methane emissions by collecting and analyzing field measurement data from different emission sources, obtaining deliverables from the data. These deliverables will be in the form of final data sets as well as peer-reviewed publications. The consultant will improve current understanding of methane emissions through leading and publishing additional studies using in-house and public data.
Work Location
Remote
Expected duration
211 days over 12 months period, starting from 1 December 2025 through 30 November 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's foremost authority on environmental issues, providing leadership and fostering partnerships to promote sustainable development. UNEP inspires and empowers nations and communities to enhance their quality of life while safeguarding the needs of future generations. UNEP hosts the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). IMEO is a data-driven, action-focused UNEP initiative that takes an innovative approach to address the methane emissions problem by collecting, integrating, and reconciling data from different sources, including scientific measurement studies, satellites, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national inventories. IMEO will create a global public dataset of empirically verified methane emissions, with an initial focus on fossil fuel sources and will interconnect data with actions on research, reporting, and regulation. This will catalyse deep reductions in human-made methane emissions and serve the rapidly growing ecosystem of governments, companies, investors, researchers, NGOs and other entities engaging in this crucial climate challenge. IMEO seeks a methane scientist that will work on collecting and analyzing field measurement data from oil and gas related emission sources. The scientist will work with IMEO’s science team, focusing especially on the measurement campaigns. The methane scientist will lead the characterization of methane emissions by collecting and analyzing field measurement data from various (including oil, gas and waste related) emission sources. The scientist will also lead the coordination of major science studies in the field. The consultant will report to the Methane Science Studies Manager.
Qualifications/special skills
PhD in atmospheric science, geology or a related field Experience in leading the coordination of science field campaigns Experience in performing rigorous analysis with short deadlines Expertise in a programming language for analysis of large data sets Strong proficiency in quantitative analysis and knowledge of atmospheric sampling in a field environment Knowledge of the inventories and atmospheric models currently used for emissions estimates
Languages
Not available.
Additional Information
• The consultant will provide scientific leadership for IMEO's methane characterization efforts by taking primary responsibility for the collection, advanced analysis, and interpretation of complex field measurement data. The role is accountable for delivering high-impact scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed publications where the consultant acts as a lead author, and curated final data sets for integration into IMEO's global platform. lead the analysis and writing of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, serving as the lead author on key manuscripts. • Drive the design, planning and execution of IMEO’s methane measurement campaigns, providing technical direction and oversight. • Perform and advance the analysis and interpretation of the measurement data sets, including emission flux model analyses. Methane Science Studies: • Lead the preparation and writing of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, participating at least in one as lead author. Acting as a Science Coordinator on designated projects, providing independent scientific oversight, managing collaborations, and ensuring the technical rigor and timely delivery of external partners' work. • Organize and analyze activity data from industry for interpretation of measurement data • Contribute to data collection on the field, joining IMEO funded campaigns • Conduct emission flux model analyses. • Review new project proposals for the waste sector • Support IMEO’s strategy for the waste sector through the analysis and interpretation of currently available data, as well as structuring it in a measurement database for this sector Other engagement: • Provide expert scientific input and technical guidanceto other IMEO methane emissions project efforts when needed. • Lead specific components of IMEO's data integration efforts, ensuring the scientific integrity of combined data streams.Represent IMEO as a subject matter expert, presenting scientific and policy-relevant findings to internal committees and at major international conferences.. Oversee the curation and delivery of finalized, publication-ready data sets from measurement campaigns for internal and public use. Performance indicators will be the following: • The effectiveness and management of the work • Delivery and quality of the key deliverables. • Speediness and quality of emails and communications with UNEP staff. The consultant will be in close consultation with the UN Environment Programme Paris Office. The outputs need to be accepted by the UNEP to be considered satisfactory.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience leading scientific field campaigns? | This question assesses your leadership and coordination skills in similar contexts. | Provide a brief overview of campaigns you've led, highlighting your specific responsibilities and outcomes. |
| What programming languages are you proficient in for data analysis, and how have you applied them in your previous work? | The interviewer wants to gauge your technical skills and real-world application. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle tight deadlines while maintaining rigorous scientific analysis? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a complex scientific publication you contributed to, and what was your role? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams in scientific research? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure the integrity and accuracy of your data analysis? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What measures do you take to stay updated with advancements in atmospheric sciences and methane emissions research? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with emission flux model analyses. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |