Climate neutral of aviation is possible. However, there is no silver bullet and to achieve it a whole system approach is required considering technology, scaleup, infrastructure, investment, and policy. The Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA, aiazero.org) project is a growing and joint initiative between the Whittle Laboratory and Cambridge Institute for Sustainability leadership, bringing together academic, industry and policy experts from around the world to take on this challenge.
We are looking for someone to join the AIA team as a Senior Technical Analyst to further develop and disseminate our analyses and transform our sustainable aviation research into interactive tools and engage key stake-holders. The role is based in Cambridge, UK, primarily at the Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge.
This role closely aligns with the design and delivery of the AIA's activities and provide modelling, software development and technical leadership. We are looking for candidates with both some modelling and software development skills, perhaps with experience in Excel, Python and React, and possible experience in a range of modelling areas in net zero transport or aviation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a unique and important initiative to decarbonise aviation within the next 20-30 years.
In this key role, you will be responsible for the delivery of research outputs and projects and will oversee other technical staff working in this area, as well as maintain and develop AIA modelling software to support the effective delivery of its work. Additionally, you will contribute to external reports and grant proposals under supervision.
You will also be expected to provide high level advice to internal and external stakeholders and leaders on the outputs of the AIA's work and the development of future research projects.
The successful candidate will be educated to degree level and hold postgraduate qualifications in a relevant area or have demonstrable equivalent experience with a strong research or analysis component. You will possess specialist knowledge across broad range of areas relating to the net zero transition, particularly chemical and mechanical engineering with transport applications, with an understanding and knowledge of technical systems, economic systems and policy development. You will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate that you are a team player and can work independently. Prior experience in aviation's net zero transition would desirable but not essential.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you include both a CV and covering letter within your application which should detail how you feel you meet the criteria in the person specification.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 14 October 2026.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and if you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office at the Department of Engineering: hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk, +44 (0)1223 332615.
Please quote reference NM51254 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Key information
Department/location
Salary
£47,389-£59,966
Reference
NM51254
Category
Date published
30 September 2026
Closing date
14 October 2026