Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as Postdoctoral Researcher - Atmospheric Scientist undertaking inverse modelling of greenhouse gases (GHG’s) within the Ryan Institute’s Centre for Climate & Air Pollution Studies at the University of Galway.
This position is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and is available from 1st June 2026. The position is initially for a two-year period with a possible extension up to 12 months thereafter.
Overview Of The Project
This project will further develop a methane emissions verification system for Ireland to identify sources and sinks. The three critical components of this emissions verification system are: 1) an operational network of precise long‑term methane measurements; 2) a top‑down inversion model, which can generate accurate methane emissions estimates using the network measurements as key inputs; and 3) new and innovative satellite data available will be used to constrain the inversion data. Data for the inversions will be augmented by the recently established Valentia Island (VTI) site, positioned close to areas of high agricultural activity to reduce uncertainty in these key areas.
In this project we utilise a modelling network called FLEXINVERT, a Bayesian inversion framework developed to optimise surface‑to‑atmosphere fluxes of an atmospheric species with linearised chemistry based on atmospheric measurements at mobile or fixed stations.
Green House Gas measurements will be made under the auspices of the Integrated Carbon Observing System (ICOS), a research infrastructure that enables high‑quality climate change research through a consistent, sustained measurement network operating under uniform technical and scientific standards.
Observations will be undertaken at four sites in Ireland, including the University of Galway’s flagship Mace Head Research Station, which is one of the most recognized and respected atmospheric research facilities nationally and internationally. It has over 1,000 publications associated with it, leading to over 3,000 citations per year, and an h‑index of over 92.
Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher salary scale €46,805 - €59,654 per annum (subject to the project’s funding limitations), pro rata for shorter and/or part‑time contracts.
The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, with consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the pay scale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on 12/05/2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
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