IMEO MARS Remote Sensing Scientist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. Its International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a data-driven initiative focused on reducing methane emissions, a major climate change contributor. IMEO provides reliable methane data to achieve Paris Agreement goals, integrating satellite data and industry reporting. This role supports IMEO's Methane Alert and Response System (MARS).

Job Purpose

The IMEO MARS Remote Sensing Scientist provides accurate and reliable information on methane emissions based on satellite data, directly supporting the MARS notification process. This role is crucial for IMEO's mission to deliver open, reliable, and actionable methane data, essential for achieving Paris Agreement goals and mitigating global climate change. The scientist will significantly enhance the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) by actively processing and analyzing satellite data for precise methane plume quantification and attribution. This involves continuously improving existing methodologies and, when necessary, developing new satellite-derived methane-related parameters. The consultant's work directly contributes to identifying and monitoring critical areas of large methane emissions, accurately informing stakeholders, and promoting effective mitigation actions, thereby shaping the future of methane mitigation as a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge.

Responsibilities

The consultant will collect, filter, and analyze high-resolution satellite data to identify and quantify methane plumes, directly supporting the MARS notification process. This involves processing images to obtain methane concentration enhancement maps, manually confirming detections, and analyzing the context of detected plumes by consulting other satellite and database information to understand emission sources and causes. They will meticulously document analyzed cases and record identified emitters for subsequent integration into the data portal. The role also encompasses significant research into methane remote sensing methodologies, including assessing the detection limits of satellites and obtaining estimates of the Probability of Detection under diverse surface, wind, retrieval noise, and observing conditions. Furthermore, the consultant will develop effective wind calibrations, process and supply data for controlled release experiments, and actively participate in validation activities to continuously improve MARS data. They will analyze emission time series, develop automated methods for tracking point source emission status, and independently support rapid response efforts and scientific documentation from the work done in MARS and the IMEO’s remote sensing team.

Work Experience

Minimum 3 years of experience in satellite remote sensing is required. This includes knowledge and research experience in satellite capabilities for methane monitoring, understanding main anthropogenic methane emission sources, and practical experience analyzing high-resolution satellite data and satellite image labeling.

Skills

Satellite remote sensing (methane monitoring, capabilities, limitations); Analysis of high-resolution satellite data and image labeling; Knowledge of anthropogenic methane emission sources; Proficiency in PostgreSQL, Azure cloud, and Python; Ability to work independently and produce high-quality, policy-relevant outputs; English language proficiency (additional languages an asset).

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