Satellite Analyst, Coal Mine Methane
Join Ember’s fast-growing, global team focused on reducing methane emissions from coal mining. This role is essential in supporting Ember’s work to uncover the true picture of coal mine methane (CMM) emissions by collecting and analysing the critical satellite data that we need to fill the gaps in understanding. We are looking for a candidate that will maintain close links with the academic community and has a passion for using data to help solve the climate crisis.
We’re committed to providing a great place to work at a competitive salary. We invest in our staff, offer flexible working conditions and pride ourselves on being an open and collaborative workplace. We’re a friendly and supportive team, and all passionately committed to addressing the climate crisis.
The role
Despite methane being responsible for 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the industrial revolution, Methane leaks from coal mines are the climate crisis multiplier that few are talking about.This must change. Especially since the IPCC and IEA have highlighted that addressing Coal Mine Methane (CMM) is also one of the most cost-effective emissions reduction strategies in the short term.
In 2022 coal mines released 40MT of methane into the atmosphere and not only is this set to increase but this is also likely to be an underestimation since companies and governments are not measuring, monitoring or verifying CMM. To understand the true picture and therefore deliver on the opportunities to reduce emissions we need expertise to interpret and analyse methane emissions satellite data.
Ember is looking for a passionate Satellite Analyst to help us gather and analyse critical, global methane emissions data. The successful candidate will support our existing Coal Mine Methane (CMM) team based in Europe, Asia and Australia and will work closely with Ember’s data team. The candidate will have:
- A deep understanding of the methods and technologies of satellite and aerial environmental monitoring, particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions data
- The desire to support a small, but world class think tank in making an impact on the challenges most important for climate change
- Excellent problem solving skills to lead a strategy for how we can best use satellite data to support the CMM team’s objectives
Ember has already made a major international impact in drawing attention to the methane crisis in Australia and the European Union. Please read more about our work here: https://ember-climate.org/topics/coal-mine-methane
Key responsibilities
- Analysing satellite data: measure and track methane emissions from various sources (e.g. point source and area flux mappers), process the data and generate insights about methane emissions patterns and trends over time
- Collaborating with Ember’s data team to develop and maintain data processing pipelines to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data.
- Collaborating with Ember’s data team and working closely with experts in atmospheric science, climate modelling, and environmental policy to develop research strategies and interpret the data.
- Developing new methods for analyzing satellite data - e.g. building front-end apps to visualise data from public satellites' APIs.
- Build collaboration with leading research institutions around the world.
- Communicating the findings and making recommendations about the ‘story’ in the data or the data sources that we should be exploring
Must Have
- A PhD degree or higher in a relevant field such as remote sensing or atmospheric science
- At least 2-3 years of experience in satellite data analysis, preferably in a related field such as atmospheric science or environmental science.
- Strong technical skills in high-level programming languages such as Python or R,
- Strong understanding of atmospheric science and remote sensing and knowledge of statistical analysis and data visualization techniques.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex data and identify patterns and trends, as well as the ability to identify and correct errors in data and troubleshoot technical issues.
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Passionate about reducing global greenhouse gas emissions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team and enthusiasm to interact with different teams across Ember
Nice to have
- Candidates with experience in methane emissions data analysis and remote sensing are highly desirable
- Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) software such as ArcGIS or QGIS
- Familiarity with machine learning techniques implementing algorithms for analyzing satellite data and identifying methane emission sources.
- Knowledge of international climate policy and the context in which we are operating
- Project management experience and ability to coordinate with stakeholders and research teams
Salary & hours
- Salary: competitive
- Contract: Full time (but only working 9 days every fortnight with no reduction in pay), permanent subject to a 3 month probationary period. For employees based outside of the UK, a local payroll contract is available, dependent on the country.
- Location: Remote
Benefits
- We operate a nine-day fortnight meaning our full-time staff are given every other Friday off work with no reduction in pay
- 25 days holiday, plus UK bank holidays (unless local statutory minimums are higher) and for each year that you're part of the team at Ember you'll receive an additional day of holiday, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
- Generous paid maternity and paternity leave
- Flexible working conditions, including the opportunity for part-time work and home working.
- Access to a local working space can also be arranged for employees
- Free annual eye tests
- Access to a counselling service
- Funding and allocated time for your training and development
- Paid volunteer day
- Two paid days off to enable low carbon travel
- Time off to donate blood
- Season Ticket loan
Deadline for applications
The application closes at 23:00 (UK time) on 08 July 2023.
How to apply
Please complete our online application form by 26 June 2023.
We may close the application deadline early if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Download Job details
Please download the file below.
Satellite Analyst Job description.docx — PDF 67 KBWorking at Ember
Ember is an independent energy & climate think tank, using data to drive down carbon emissions from electricity generation and to phase out coal. We gather, curate and analyse data on the global power system – and use our findings to improve energy and climate policy.
You’ll be joining us at a period of rapid growth, and be part of an innovative team that’s having a global impact in tackling climate change. We are also a founding member of Subak, the world’s first non-profit accelerator that scales climate impact through data, policy and behaviour change.
We are especially keen to encourage applications from people underrepresented in climate change analysis and campaigning. Climate change is a race issue, a class issue, and a gender issue. We welcome applicants with lived experiences of these issues.