Research Associate in Heat Health Impact Attribution - London in Westminster

Join Us in Investigating Climate Health Impacts from Heat Worldwide! Are you a forward-thinking, innovative individual fascinated by the challenges of climate-related health impacts across the globe? Are you passionate about societal engagement, and do you want to make an impact? This is an opportunity for you!

In this role, you will collect evidence of health impacts from heat globally and develop cutting-edge statistical models in regions where open data is not available. While heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense across the globe due to climate change, there are persistent challenges in quantifying their impacts on human health and attributing the share of impacts directly linked to climate change. Your efforts will be pivotal in translating what is being experienced by people on the ground to quantitative estimates that can be reported in close to real-time.

Indeed, you will not only develop and publish your own ground-breaking research on heat health impact attribution science, but also rapidly assess and publicly disclose attribution assessments of health impacts from heatwaves worldwide. This work is part of the Climate Damage Tracker, a Grantham initiative working towards real-time tracking of attributable impacts from extreme weather events. By estimating relatable and timely information on how humans are affected by climate change, we aim to raise awareness on its negative impacts and drive climate action. The initiative also seeks to inform discussions around Loss and Damage, adaptation and climate litigation.

The post is based at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment which has received funding from the Quadrature Climate Foundation to advance real-time climate damage tracking. The Grantham Institute's mission is to drive climate-related research, translating this into real-world impact and communicating knowledge to help shape decision-making in policy, business and the third sector.

Join us in pioneering research that shapes global decision-making, driving change towards a sustainable, resilient, zero-carbon future. Your creativity and innovations will be the key to achieve our ambition for meaningful and actionable insights into addressing the impacts of climate change on health! Apply now and become an integral part of our journey towards a sustainable tomorrow!

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Formulate research questions and develop a coherent research programme on the role of climate change in health impacts during heatwaves.
• Further develop the Institute's capability to conduct rapid health impact attribution at the global level.
• Actively participate in and lead rapid attribution studies of ongoing heatwaves.
• Identify strategic opportunities for expanding research on the climate-health nexus and explore new avenues of potential funding, developing funding proposals as required.
• Engage with stakeholders and researchers within the College and the wider community.
• Actively participate in the research programme of the Institute.
• Contribute to teaching activities related to your field of research, including the MSc Climate Management and Finance run jointly with Business School and supporting the supervision of PhD students.
• Attend meetings, workshops and events internally and externally as required to represent and promote the research interests of the Grantham Institute and the College.
• Publish in high quality journals and present data at national and international meetings.

What we are looking for:

• You must hold a PhD in epidemiology, public health, statistics or related.
• Excellent peer review publication record in a relevant field.
• Experience in collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience of presenting results and findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines and rapidly acquire understanding of other disciplines.
• Statistical skills including regression models, distributed lag non-linear models, hierarchical models, machine learning, and proficiency in R.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication.
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines.
• Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the Internet.
• Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.
• Flexible attitude towards work.
• Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times.
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role.
• Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research and attend conferences.
• Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

This role is full-time for 3 years. Please note that you must already hold right to work in the UK for this role.

If you are thinking about applying for this job and want to discuss it further, please contact Prof Joeri Rogelj (j.rogelj@imperial.ac.uk) for questions about the Grantham Institute, and Dr Emily Theokritoff (e.theokritoff@imperial.ac.uk) and Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis (g.konstantinoudis@imperial.ac.uk) for questions about the Climate Damage Tracker initiative.

Want help submitting your application? Please visit the Grantham Institute's Tips on how to submit a successful application.

Find out more about the Community and Culture at the Grantham Institute.

Should you have any queries about the application process, please contact Eva Konstantara e.konstantara@imperial.ac.uk.