Research Associate in Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling (SENTINEL Project) in Leicester

As a Research Associate in Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling on the SENTINEL project, you will lead its physics-based dispersion modelling and validation work, helping to develop a new approach to forecasting chemical fugitive emissions. You will set up and run established atmospheric dispersion models, including ADMS, the Met Office NAME model and CALPUFF, to provide scientific benchmarks for SENTINEL's AI forecasts. You will prepare meteorological and geospatial inputs, design hindcasting experiments and evaluate forecast performance against health guideline categories and community odour reports.

Working closely with the project's AI Research Associate, you will also assess whether predictions are physically plausible and contribute to explainable AI analysis and guidance for regulators and public health agencies. You will join an interdisciplinary team in the School of Engineering, working across atmospheric science, AI, chemical fate and public health and collaborating with partners including the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office. The project also has links with the University of Leicester's Institute for Environmental Futures, which brings together interdisciplinary research addressing environmental challenges and the relationships between environment and human health.

This is an opportunity to contribute to high-quality research with practical applications, disseminate findings through publications and conferences, develop collaborations and help shape research at the intersection of atmospheric modelling, AI and public health.

You will have a PhD, equivalent professional qualification or equivalent experience in atmospheric science, meteorology, environmental science or engineering, physics, applied mathematics or a related discipline. You will bring experience or demonstrable ability in the physical modelling of environmental processes, together with strong analytical problem-solving skills and evidence of contribution to peer-reviewed publications or equivalent technical outputs.

Experience of an atmospheric dispersion model such as NAME, CALPUFF or ADMS is important, although candidates with a strong physics-based or numerical environmental modelling background and the ability to become proficient with these tools quickly are also encouraged to apply. You will be able to use Python and/or R for scientific data processing, analysis and visualisation, and communicate complex information effectively to a range of audiences. You will be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, including with internal and external stakeholders, and will bring a commitment to developing your expertise and contributing positively to a collegiate research environment.

Experience with weather or geospatial data, AI or machine learning, high-performance computing, air-quality guidance, or hands-on use of NAME, CALPUFF or ADMS would be advantageous.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Timothy Pearce at tcp1@leicester.ac.uk. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms: Full time or job share, fixed term from 01 January 2027 to 31 March 2028.