Postdoctoral Researcher - data science

Result of Service The consultant will support UNEP's IMEO in the processing of geospatial data to obtain information on methane emissions and their sources, as well as support the development of IMEO's data platform.

The consultant will: - Develop satellite-based methods for the retrieval of methane concentration enhancements and subsequent plume detection - Process large volumes of satellite data to generate the geospatial information needed to identify and characterize methane point sources. - Process satellite data to derive relevant information for the identification and interpretation of methane emissions, such as flaring data, identification of oil and gas (O&G) facilities, and near-real-time environmental situation of specific locations (snowy, cloudy, flooded, clear sky, …). - Integrate information received from OGMP 2.0 with satellite data - Participate in the writing of papers in peer-reviewed journals. - Work with IMEO colleagues and partners to manage the information provided by the different parties. - Support the analysis of the results obtained from the different source's data integration. - Coordinate and collaborate with scientists and policy experts within IMEO and from academia, industry and research organizations internationally involving spatial data for methane emissions characterization. - Independently support other "rapid response" and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis.

Performance indicators will be the following: - The effectiveness and management of the work. - Quality, reliability and pertinence of gathered information. - Usefulness and quality of the information and recommendations provided to UNEP staff. - Speediness and quality of emails and communications with UNEP staff.

Work Location Remote

Expected duration 6months -renewable

Duties and Responsibilities UN Environment Programme (Energy and Climate Branch) 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.

Qualifications/special skills A Ph.D. degree in the field of physics, data science, remote sensing, statistics, or similar is required. Proficiency in advanced data processing methods, including those based on machine learning, mainly based on, but not limited to, high-resolution satellite data. Strong experience in methane data processing. Knowledge of the infrastructures that compose the O&G assets and coal mines is a plus. Demonstrated scientific expertise, including but not limited to a record of scholarly publications. Experience in programming and code development with short deadlines in support of highly visible work / Originality and critical thinking in assessing the quality of data from different sources. / Ability to initiate and maintain extensive contacts within the scientific community / Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, geographically dispersed team.

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.