Cerulogy is seeking to appoint a talented researcher to support its technical consulting work on issues relating to climate change, alternative fuels and renewable energy. Cerulogy is a small consultancy that works with clients including the European Commission, national governments, non-governmental organisations, and industry to support the development of effective climate change policy.
The main initial role for the researcher will be to support projects involving analysis of the broad environmental impact of biofuel and bioenergy mandates. This will require desk-based research and data-collation, and data processing using Microsoft Excel. It will be an advantage for candidates to have some understanding of the ecological and biodiversity impacts of conventional agriculture, and some familiarity with existing European and/or international policy for biodiversity protection.
The successful applicant will be asked to support other projects on an ad hoc basis. Examples of Cerulogy’s current and recent work include supporting the International Council on Clean Transportation’s Global Automaker Rating, ranking car manufacturers on their readiness for the transition to electric vehicles; Low Carbon Fuel Standard modelling for the Union of Concerned Scientists, developing compliance scenarios for clean transport policy in the U.S.; and working with the European Commission on the EU’s Carbon Removal Certification Framework, contributing to the development of EU certification methodologies for net carbon removals.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate strong numerical skills and an interest in environmental policy. While a demonstrated background in relevant work will be an advantage, the position should be understood as an opportunity to develop technical competencies and expertise relating to topical areas of environmental policy; the role could therefore be appropriate for bright candidates without extensive experience in the field. There will be ample opportunity for on-the-job training to develop technical competences and subject matter expertise.
The successful applicant will join Cerulogy for an initial six month period. Extension of this initial period will be subject to performance and business requirements. We envision this as a full time position but would be happy to discuss a reduced commitment (minimum of three days per week).
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate will be highly intelligent with strong academic credentials and excellent numerical skills. An aptitude for modelling or data analysis work would be an advantage (this may be demonstrated through programming, spreadsheeting and/or databasing experience). The successful candidate will be personally committed to the mitigation of climate change with an interest in effective environmental policy.
Required [there’s always a little leeway for an impressive candidate but you need to pretty much meet these]:
- Good first degree in a technical/scientific discipline (e.g. physics, maths, chemistry, engineering, biology, computer science);
- Demonstrable interest in environmental issues, especially climate change;
- Demonstrable aptitude for numerical work;
- Some experience with Microsoft Excel or comparable spreadsheeting tools;
- Keen desire to find the most efficient ways of doing things;
- Self-motivated and able to work independently;
- Generally IT competent;
- Good critical thinking skills;
- Good conversational and written English.
Desirable:
- Post-graduate degree (or undergraduate master’s degree in a relevant and/or scientific discipline);
- Good communication skills, the ability to interact confidently with partners at all career levels;
- Familiarity with issues relating to biodiversity and biodiversity protection;
- Familiarity with issues relating to land use change and deforestation;
- Familiarity with agricultural issues and policy;
- Familiarity with transport decarbonisation options such as electric vehicles, efficiency standards and biofuels;
- Experience working in environmentally related consultancy, policy or advocacy;
- “Power user” of Microsoft Office applications.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter to recruitment@cerulogy.com. Please take a moment to make your covering letter relevant to the position advertised, applications that are clearly generic covering letters with a couple of details changed are liable to be discounted. Similarly, please do not simply parrot the person specification back at me in a list, this is a job opportunity not a game of bingo.
Applications must be received by 8pm, Sunday 7th April to be guaranteed consideration. Later applications may be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
ABOUT CERULOGY
Cerulogy is the consultancy of Dr Chris Malins. The successful applicant would become Cerulogy’s second additional researcher. Dr Malins formed Cerulogy in 2016, and has since expanded to work with a wide range of clients in the NGO community, government and industry, in both Europe and the U.S. (past and current clients include the International Council on Clean Transportation, the European Commission, the Danish Energy Agency, Lanzatech, Transport and Environment, Eni, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Birdlife Europe, Oxfam, EWABA, the National Wildlife Federation, UPM, Rainforest Foundation Norway, and the Natural Resources Defence Council).
Cerulogy provides thoughtful technical analysis. Dr Malins is recognised globally as an expert on alternative fuel regulation, lifecycle analysis and indirect land use change. Before forming Cerulogy he spent six years leading the fuels team of International Council on Clean Transportation, and prior to that two years in communications at the UK Renewable Fuels Agency. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Sheffield University. Being a very small consultancy, career progression within Cerulogy cannot be guaranteed, but Cerulogy’s work is well respected in the community and a position with Cerulogy should provide an excellent platform for future career development.
THE ADMIN BIT
The position will offer a salary in the range £28,000 – £40,000 per annum, subject to experience and qualifications etc. The position is for three to five days a week by agreement, with the successful candidate expected to be flexible to do some additional work where required by deadlines (this should be the exception not the rule, you’re not applying to be a junior doctor). Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, Cerulogy is not able to support visa applications. The initial period of the position will be six months. Extension of the position will be dependent on the business situation at that time.
The position will require a mix of remote working and working out of Dr Malins’ home office near Elephant and Castle, London. The successful applicant will be asked to provide their own computer equipment (i.e. a tolerably modern computer with Microsoft Office installed).
