Advertisement Number: P.Rect./R&D/2023/262

About the project: Source Apportionment (SA) is the process of discovering the anthropogenic sources of particulate matter (PM) levels, natural sources (eg. dust etc) and their relative contributions. SA is a vital tool that helps policy makers understand the major pollutants and take appropriate action to curb pollution levels. The proposed project seeks to establish a novel technique called Dynamic Hyper-local Source Apportionment (DHSA) for real-time and cost effective SA. DHSA seeks to use data from Sensor Ambient Air Quality Monitor (SAAQM), such as gas sensors, meteorological sensors and PM sensors and employ machine-learning techniques to convert SAAQM data into SA information.

About the group/team: The team has made impactful contributions at the national scale to address the challenges of Air Pollution and Climate Change. Under the leadership of Prof. S.N. Tripathi, the team has built ground-breaking innovative approaches for indigenously built sensor-based network technologies for nation-wide urban air quality monitoring and Real Time Source Apportionment (RTSA). Recently, the group has been awarded the International Centre of Excellence on advanced pollution monitoring technologies recognized by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. This work will be carried out as a part of this Centre. RTSA work has been done in Delhi with support from CPCB and is currently being carried out with support from Swiss Development Corporation in the cities of Lucknow and Pune. The group has also established sensor networks in 5 cities (Jaipur, Chennai, Guwahati, Kanyakumari and Delhi) with support from Ericsson.

About the position:

We are looking for One Project Post-Doctoral Fellow who would be primarily in charge of running the field campaign, data analysis, calibration of instruments, report generation, and publishing papers.

Responsibilities: The selected candidate would be responsible for coordinating and running ambient air quality monitors and sensors in a mobile van. The selected candidate will be in-charge of the air quality monitors/high-end instruments (AMS, Xact, Aethalometer, Gas Analyser etc. and will be responsible for their regular operation, calibration and maintenance and ensuring device uptime. As such, the candidate should maintain the highest of professional and ethical standards when taking care of these sophisticated instruments. The candidate will also take part in analysis of large datasets evolved during such monitoring. The candidate will have to participate in field trips with the mobile van whenever required.

Essential Qualification:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering/Environmental Sciences/Atmospheric Sciences/Climate Sciences or closely related fields.

Required skills & experience:

• Prior knowledge of research grade equipment such as AMS, Xact and Aethalometer, Gas analyzers etc. or readiness to learn about these quickly and ability to work in field on a mobile lab.
• Strong background in atmospheric science, air quality research.
• Significant background in handling and processing large data sets.
• Prior field work experience in air quality monitoring and in operating and maintaining air quality monitoring sensors.
• Impressive publication record in high-impact air quality research journals.
• Knowledge of any scientific programming language.

Compensation & benefits:

The candidate will get the opportunity to work in a highly motivating and supportive environment and can avail the hostel/family accommodation facility (according to availability) at IIT Kanpur. Adequate support for travel and living costs will be provided (per diem etc) whenever field trips are undertaken.

With regards to the medical facilities, only OPD facility for self shall be available at the Health Centre of IIT Kanpur without any reimbursement of cost of medicines. Any outside referral shall not be reimbursed. For the purpose, a medical booklet shall be provided to the candidate on request.

Duration of Appointment:

• The post is purely temporary and is on contractual basis.
• The appointment for the post is up to two years or till the completion of the project whichever is earlier. Appointment will be initially for one year. Renewal of appointment will be subjected to the performance of the candidate.
• Salary: Rs. 60,000-5000-85,000 per month (as per the experience)

The department reserves the right to fix suitable criteria for short listing of eligible candidates satisfying qualifications and experience. The selection will be based on interviews: online or in person. Short listed candidates will be informed with an email about the date of interview. 

Interested candidates may apply with copy of Curriculum Vitae via email (to [email protected]) giving full details qualifications, experience, two recommendation letters and copies of relevant certificates by December 15, 2023.

Please mention post applied for and advertisement number in the subject line of email.