Technical Specialist - Climate Monitoring + Modelling Programmes · London HQ · Hybrid Remote

Technical Specialist - Climate Monitoring + ModellingSalary: c.£65,000 - c.£95,000Location: Kings Cross, London (hybrid)Employment Type: We plan for this role to be full-time, but we’re open to discussing flexible working arrangementsContract Type: 3 years fixed-term (with the possibility for extension)Closing Date for Applications: 03.06.24About ARIAARIA funds breakthrough R&D for society. With an unprecedented level of independence and operational freedom, we are rethinking how to best support scientists and engineers whose work can change the world. We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale – from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between. If that sounds fun, come and build ARIA with us. Learn more about how we work here.Role SummaryAs a Technical Specialist, you will have the rare chance to catalyse breakthroughs that could change the world and that would not otherwise be created. You'll get to sit alongside co-Programme Directors Sarah Bohndiek and Gemma Bale on ARIA's climate monitoring and modelling programme, helping to direct teams across academia, startups, and industry in pursuit of a world-changing new technology. You’ll be exposed to every aspect of the programme's technical management from design through conception, approval, project selection, and overarching programme management.This funding programme will aim to deliver an early warning system for climate tipping points, tackling both measurement and modelling challenges by leveraging advances in robust sensor technologies and artificial intelligence. We’re looking for an adaptable technical professional who’s strongly motivated by the opportunity to deliver a technological step change. You’ll be working in a bold, talented team, in the pursuit of groundbreaking advancements that will shape the future of science & technology.Meet Gemma and SarahGemma and Sarah are co-Programme Directors on secondment from the University of Cambridge. Sarah is a Professor of Biomedical Physics at Cambridge, jointly appointed in the Department of Physics and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. Sarah directs an interdisciplinary team that uses optical imaging technology for earlier cancer detection. Gemma is an Assistant Professor of Medical Therapeutics in the Department of Engineering and Department of Physics at Cambridge. Her work focuses on developing non-invasive brain monitoring in real-world environments where traditional brain monitoring isn’t possible. While Gemma and Sarah’s expertise is grounded in the medical sciences, this ARIA programme focuses on harnessing the power of measurement and modelling to equip society to respond confidently to the climate crisis.Find out more about what Gemma and Sarah are working on here.“As co-Programme Directors entering a new field, we’ve learnt a lot about how to work as a team to discover the climate ecosystem. We’re looking for someone to join us whose background would complement ours - experience in physical or AI-based climate models and/or an industrial perspective would be incredible - but we’d be excited to hear from anyone who is passionate about innovating in climate monitoring and modelling!”Gemma + Sarah, co-Programme DirectorsWhat you’ll doThe scope of the role will evolve as ARIA continues to grow, but will broadly involve the following:
Work with Gemma and Sarah as a scientific and technical expert on a programme of research aimed at transforming how we monitor and model the planet. Gather, validate, and disseminate technical data landscaping performance trends for cutting-edge measurement technologies. Aid and advise Gemma and Sarah with research evaluation and project-specific technical insight. This includes activities like grant review, ongoing project oversight, technical milestone assessment, expert identification, presentations, and reporting. Plan, coordinate and steer technical discussions in project meetings, workshops, and presentations. Deliver in-depth programme portfolio evaluations, insightful recommendations, and streamlined reporting for Gemma and Sarah and key stakeholders, facilitating informed strategic directions. Contribute your technical prowess in areas like AI, data assimilation or other cutting-edge capabilities within the program, amplifying its overall effectiveness. Co-author solicitations, white papers and technical reviews. Drive the seamless execution of projects on a day-to-day basis, taking charge as the technical bridge linking the programme’s diverse project teams, and potential collaborators within the thriving R&D community. Who you are Essential Criteria
You have first-hand exposure to modelling the Earth system. You have a general understanding of data acquisition, assimilation, calibration and validation requirements. You excel in grasping and navigating diverse technical projects. You skillfully convey complex technical ideas and project timelines to technical stakeholders in adjacent fields, bridging gaps between diverse teams, perspectives, and initiatives. You are willing to ask questions and can rapidly learn and adapt to new scientific areas, comprehending key components of new technical disciplines. You are okay with uncertainty and a fast-paced environment. You possess high clarity of written thought.
Desirable Criteria You have run field campaigns for targeted measurements in harsh environments such as the ocean or cryosphere. You have practically deployed data assimilation, calibration and validation methods. You have played a senior role in a climate monitoring mission. You have a strong working knowledge of the UK R&D ecosystem. You have a strong working knowledge of the worldwide Earth observation ecosystem. You have worked in a range of R&D environments, preferably in a startup or other fast-paced industrial environment. You have successfully performed technical assignments that require unconventional or novel approaches. You are skilled in risk analysis and resolution, tracking technical milestones, and reporting on complex technical projects. QualificationsYou may have a scientific qualification, with a preference for a PhD, in one of the listed areas of interest, or similar; climate science, climate modelling, Earth observation, marine engineering, systems engineering, optics, photonics, electrical engineering, oceanography, machine learning, artificial intelligence.We would still encourage you to apply as we have high interest in practical/industrial experience in those stated areas.Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to this, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role.If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests are intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.Please note; You will be required, as and when necessary, to travel to different locations around the UK to support projects, depending on the Programme you are designated to.
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