"Research Fellow A in Autonomous Robotics for Environmental Science"

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The role

A research fellow position is available to work on the project “Dynamic and Adaptable Monitoring of Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Robots” funded by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) at the University of Surrey.

Accurately measuring greenhouse gas emissions from human activity is challenging. Static sensors only measure one point in space, but sensors mounted to unmanned aircraft are noisy and can only fly for a short time. We are addressing this challenge by building an autonomous, mobile gas flux tower, consisting of a helium-filled aerodynamic kite tethered to an autonomous ground vehicle. Multiple vehicles operating together will create high resolution maps of emissions and airflow, at unprecedented spatial resolutions.

The project will be carried out in a newly outfitted robotics facility at the University of Surrey, with access to the Environmental Flow Laboratory wind tunnel facilities, gas analysis laboratories, and outdoor test spaces. The project will include industrial collaboration for extensive fieldwork at a variety of sites in southeast England, and the Ebro Delta in Spain.

This post is available immediately, and is required to end in June 2026 (although funding is in place for a six-month extension). The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team in Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering, and will have the following responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of hardware and software;
• Data analysis and modelling;
• Coordination of field measurement and data analysis;
• Writing reports and publications;
• Supporting project team and organising project meetings;

The project includes generous equipment budget and funding for both conference travel and international fieldwork to test the proposed system.

For more information, please contact Dr. David Birch at d.birch@surrey.ac.uk.

Project Team

• Dr David Birch (Sensing and Instrumentation)
• Dr Bing Guo (Environmental Monitoring)
• Dr Giovanni Iacobello (Fluid Mechanics and Data Analysis)
• Dr Belen Marti-Cardona (Remote Sensing)
• Dr Sajeeva Abeywardena (Robotics)

About you

This is a multidisciplinary project and scientists/engineers with a broad skillset are sought. Beneficial previous experience could include (but is not limited to): robotics and autonomous systems development, environmental science fieldwork, electronics design, and data science. Knowledge of Python, C++, Matlab or ROS would be of benefit. The project involves extensive fieldwork, and candidates should enjoy working outdoors.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application on the University website.

Further details

Job Description