Job information

I. Background

ABC Programme, commissioned by United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) more than a decade ago, is a network of atmospheric and climate scientists for addressing the impacts of atmospheric brown clouds (ABCs, i.e., widespread brownish layers of aerosols, ozone, and their precursors) by generating science-based knowledge through measurements, impact assessment, and demonstrating mitigation solutions. ABC programme has a network of climate observatories, including superobservatories, located at strategic locations in Asia-Pacific region for measurements of ABCs parameters. The Maldives Climate Observatory-Hanimaadhoo (MCOH) is a key superobservatory located at Hanimaadhoo Island of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

Regional Resource Center for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP) – an institute-wide center at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathumthani, Thailand, is hosting the secretariat for the ABC Programme.

Applications are invited from suitable candidates for contract-based position of Consultant (one position) under the Project Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC). The consultant position is named as “The Paul Crutzen International Climate Fellow” in the honor of Nobel Prize winner renowned climate scientist Prof. Paul Crutzen, who is one of the founder of the ABC Programme and the MCOH Observatory. Initially, the appointment of consultant is for one year, however, likely to be extended for subsequent years depending on the performance and the availability of funds.  

II. Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will reside at the MCOH for executing his duties under the supervision of the Director of the MCOH International Science Team, the ABC Secretariat, and in close collaboration with other MCOH scientists and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS). Major duties includes day-to-day operation and maintenance of scientific instruments deployed at the observatory, analyze atmospheric data collected at MCOH and other ABC observatories in the region, combined with, as appropriate, satellite observations, model simulation outputs and other supplementary data, and prepare scientific reports and articles.   

III. Required Qualification and Experience

Required qualification is Ph.D. in atmospheric science, meteorology or related disciplines with specialization in atmospheric observations. A number of years of experience in the field of atmospheric physics or chemistry with a focus on aerosol and/or trace gas observations (sampling design, data and sample acquisition, monitoring and analysis), radiometric measurements, meteorological measurements. It will be an asset to have experience in handling aerosol instruments, such as Condensation Particle Counter (CPC), Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), Nephalometers, Aethalometers, Gas Analyzers, filter-based sampling, suntracker and radiometric measurements (diffuse, direct, global radiation), meteorological measurements, etc. Practical expertise in electrical problem solving and signal handling/processing would be an asset.

IV. Application

Application should include a covering letter (maximum 300 words), highlighting the suitability for the position and CV (not more than 4 pages). The CV should include contact details, qualifications, research experience, publication list, names and contact information of three referees, and any other relevant information. The application should be sent to info@rrcap.ait.asia (in single attachment) copy to R. L. Verma (Ramlal.Verma@rrcap.ait.asia) and Professor Örjan Gustafsson (Orjan.Gustafsson@aces.su.se) Stockholm University, with subject “Application for Consultant for ABC”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for competence-based interview through phone or skype.