Research Fellow: Robotic Kites to Monitor Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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The role

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 fieldwork at a variety of sites in southeast England, and the Ebro Delta in Spain.
About you

This project will fund two postdoctoral research fellows (PDRAs) for a period of two years. The PDRAs will join a multidisciplinary team in Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering.

PDRA1 will work on:

• Implementation of a mobile robot able to tow a helium-filled aerostat
• Coordinating field measurements and refining the overall robot system
• Writing reports and publications
• Supporting the project team and organising project meetings

PDRA2 will work on:

• Testing and refinement of a newly developed greenhouse gas sensor
• Analysis of data collected by robots
• Writing reports and publications
• Supporting the project team and organising project meetings

How to apply

The position is available to start immediately. Applications will be accepted until the post is filled.

Anyone with questions about the job or the application process can email d.birch@surrey.ac.uk to learn more.