Air Quality Science Associate

Opdrachtgever:

We are currently seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual to fill the position as Science Associate Air Quality at Concawe.  Concawe’s is the science division of an international non-profit association (The European Petroleum Refiners Association). Their mission is to provide research and technical support to the EU refining industry in the study of environmental, health, safety, and toxicity issues. These relate to the refining of crude oil or renewable feedstock, and the distribution and use of petroleum or renewable products. Its goal is to improve the understanding of these issues by the industry, authorities, users and other interested parties.

Functie-informatie:

The role of the Science Associate Air Quality combines general duties with responsibilities specific to Concawe’s Air Quality program and research projects in the areas related to air pollutant emissions, atmospheric modelling, and refining environmental impact. You will be working closely with and reporting to the the Science Executive for Air Quality.

As Science Associate Air quality you will support the development and implementation of the annual technical research plan as agreed with the Air Quality Management Group (AQMG) and the Concawe Director. 

• Support Science Executive in:
  • Tracking and managing technical risks in the area of air quality and air emissions.;
  • Initiating tenders, support contractor selection, assist in contract preparation, and monitor technical progress of approved projects.;
  • Contributing to the drafting, review and quality assurance of Concawe technical reports, briefing papers and presentations;
• Coordinate Member Company expert participation in Special Task Forces (STFs) and technical working groups;
• Collaboratively develop the scope, review proposals and manage projects (including cost control) related to the specific research areas;
• Represent Concawe, as appropriate, in technical meetings, conferences and stakeholder fora, and report outcomes internally;
• Cooperate with other Concawe groups (e.g. Water, Soil & Waste; Fuels Quality & Emissions; Health) on cross-cutting topics;
• Comply with and ensure implementation of the governance rules of the Association.

Scientific & Technical Expertise

• Define, implement and coordinate air quality research projects (e.g., emissions, dispersion modelling, exposure assessment), in collaboration with the Science Executive Air Quality and Member Company experts and representatives part of AQMG and associated expert subgroups/task forces;
• Develop the scope, review proposals and manage the execution of out-sourced research projects;
• Liaise with external consultants in the development and implementation of scientific projects/research programmes;
• Request quotations from third party contract research organizations;
• Assist in writing and editing of Concawe technical reports, briefing papers, articles, scientific manuscripts etc., on topics related to the field of activity
• Maintain and apply an extensive technical understanding of refinery processes and units and their associated air pollutant emissions;
• Develop and apply in-depth knowledge of industrial air emission sources and pollutant pathways in order to interpret datasets and link processes to emissions;
• Provide technical input on emission determination, monitoring approaches, reporting methodologies and associated uncertainties;
• Understand and critically review refinery air emissions data and analyses used for studies, benchmarking and policy support.

Project Management

• Support the management of externally contracted research studies, including review of technical scopes, proposals and deliverables;
• Track project progress against agreed timelines, deliverables and budgets, ensuring outputs are technically robust and aligned with Concawe priorities;
• Act as a technical interface between external contractors, Member Company experts and internal teams, supporting alignment of assumptions and timely resolution of technical issues;
• Contribute to the interpretation and integration of project results into AQMG activities, Special Task Forces and cross‑group workstreams.

Air quality and integrated assessment

• Demonstrate a good understanding of ambient air quality, including monitoring, modelling and assessment approaches;
• Support work involving air quality modelling and integrated assessment, including understanding of models such as LOTOS-EUROS, EMEP, SHERPA, GAINS or similar frameworks;
• Link ambient air quality outcomes with industrial emission sources to support integrated technical analyses and policy discussions.

Regulatory, Policy & Stakeholder Support

• Monitor and interpret EU environmental legislation and guidance relevant to air emissions and air quality (including IED, Refining BREF/BAT Conclusions and AAQD) and translate developments into technical implications for refinery emissions and reporting;
• Provide scientific and technical input to support the Association’s advocacy on air quality–related regulatory initiatives;
• Prepare technical briefings, background analyses and presentations to inform internal discussions, consultations and stakeholder engagement;
• Engage with Member Company experts, consultants and other stakeholders to support evidence‑based dialogue on air quality and air emissions issues.

Data Analyses & IT

• Perform and review emissions and air quality data analyses, including trend assessment, scenario comparisons and data quality checks;
• Demonstrate strong ability to understand complex datasets and ensure transparency and traceability of analyses;
• Apply advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data handling, analysis and visualisation; familiarity with additional analytical tools is an advantage.

Functie-eisen:

The ideal candidate should demonstrate at least five years working or equivalent experience in the (or related) industry. Having obtained at least a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in environmental science or engineering, atmospheric science or chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. 

Experience

• Strong technical background in industrial air emissions, with particular emphasis on understanding refinery processes and associated pollutants;
• Extensive experience with emissions inventories, emissions analyses and interpretation of industrial emissions data;
• Good understanding of ambient air quality, air quality modelling and integrated assessment approaches; familiarity with tools such as LOTOS-EUROS, EMEP, SHERPA, GAINS is an asset;
• Advanced IT skills, with expert‑level Microsoft Excel for data analysis, quality checks, aggregation and visualisation; confidence working with large and complex datasets;
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder technical environments involving industry experts, consultants and policy-oriented discussions.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Strong leadership and project management skills;
• Ability to translate complex science into clear messages for diverse audiences;
• Good organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple topics in parallel;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Team-oriented with ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Aanbod:

Potential benefits of the position:

• Competitive senior-level salary;
• Mobility option; 
• Very strong pension contribution — above average;
• Full DKV insurance, fully paid;
• Performance-based bonus;
• Meal Vouchers;
• Work From Home Allowance;
• Laptop and mobile phone provided;
• Hybrid Working;
• 32 days holiday per year;
• Working in Brussels, the capital of the European Union;
• Working on related European legislative issues and gaining insight into EU decision-making processes;
• Helping to understand and overcome the impact on air quality of the manufacturing and the use of petroleum and renewable fuels;
• Working together with representatives of European fuel manufacturers, giving the opportunity to obtain a broader view of the industry;
• Networking at scientific meetings and conferences as well as at associated social events.