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At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.
The Research Associate will develop an innovative approach, utilizing machine learning, to produce high-resolution projections of humid heat waves for ten cities in Southeast Asia and Africa. The position will develop a rigorous methodology that can be applied to other cities in the future.
This position contributes to a larger project between UNSW, ANU, and the University of Oxford and the Minderoo Foundation on lethal humidity and excess mortality predictions. The incumbent will be employed by the Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC) at UNSW and collaborate with others at the partner institutions to undertake this research.
About the role
• Level A - $110k - $117k - plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)
The Research Associate reports to Professor Katrin Meissner and has no direct reports..
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
- Assemble datasets of satellite-derived land surface temperature data and urban dataset characterizing urban form, fabric, and geography for ten cities vulnerable to lethal heat waves.
- Develop a machine learning approach for producing high-resolution urban land surface temperature based on coarse resolution data from climate models and reanalysis products.
- Develop a model to translate high-resolution land surface temperature into high-resolution air temperature for the ten cities.
- • Evaluate the models based on historical climate data, then produce future projections of high-resolution air temperatures for the ten cities.
- Combine temperature with humidity projections and analyze the statistics of future lethal heat waves
- Contribute to the collegiate life of the CCRC such as supporting PhD supervision, committee membership, and leading workshops.
- Contribute to workshops and meetings hosted by the Lethal Humidity Prediction Project.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
- Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.
About the successful applicant:
(Selection Criteria)
- A PhD in a quantitative discipline, which could include atmospheric science, or other areas of relevant physical science, applied maths, computer science
- Specific experience in one of the following would be welcome: remote sensing, machine learning, urban climate.
- Demonstrated ability to carry out scientific research independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Demonstrated programming skills (e.g. Python) in a Unix/Linux environment including code and data management.
- Strong research and publication track record (relative to opportunity) in an area listed in the position summary.
- High level analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.
Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.
Contact:
Katrin Meissner
E: k.meissner@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: February 5th, 2025
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UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
