Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Associate - Air Quality Modelling

at Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)

🏢 About Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)

CSTEP is a unique Indian think tank that bridges scientific research with policy impact, focusing on sustainable development through evidence-based solutions. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute directly to India's environmental policy landscape while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on cutting-edge air quality research.

About This Role

This Senior Associate role involves developing and optimizing regional-scale chemical transport models (WRF-Chem/WRF-CAMx) on HPC platforms to simulate air pollution dynamics across India. The position is impactful because it directly informs air quality management policies through rigorous modeling, validation against ground/satellite data, and translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves configuring WRF-Chem simulations on HPC clusters, analyzing model outputs against satellite retrievals of aerosol optical depth, and developing Python scripts to statistically validate pollutant concentrations. You might also collaborate with policy researchers to translate modeling results into visualizations for a stakeholder workshop or draft sections of a journal article on emission scenario impacts.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) Is Looking For

  • PhD holder with demonstrated expertise in atmospheric chemistry/meteorology and hands-on experience configuring WRF-Chem or CAMx models during doctoral research
  • Proficient in Python for model output analysis and statistical validation against observational datasets
  • Strong communicator capable of translating complex modeling results into clear visualizations, reports, and proposals for diverse audiences
  • Research-driven mindset with proven ability to generate project ideas and contribute to peer-reviewed publications on air quality topics

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)

1

Highlight specific WRF-Chem/CAMx projects from your PhD, detailing your role in model configuration, optimization, or validation processes

2

Showcase Python scripts or workflows you've developed for analyzing chemical transport model outputs, preferably with examples of statistical validation techniques

3

Demonstrate understanding of India's air quality challenges by referencing regional pollution issues your modeling could address

4

Include examples where you've communicated technical findings to non-specialists, such as through visualizations, policy briefs, or public outreach

5

Mention any experience with High-Performance Computing environments, specifying platforms or parallel processing techniques you've used

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience with WRF-Chem/WRF-CAMx configuration and optimization during PhD research', 'Specific examples of model validation against ground-based or satellite measurements using statistical methods', "How your atmospheric chemistry/meteorology background aligns with India's regional air quality challenges", 'Demonstrated ability to translate research into publications, proposals, or policy-relevant outputs']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CSTEP's recent air quality publications and policy briefs to understand their research focus areas
  • → Study India's National Clean Air Programme and identify where chemical transport modeling could contribute
  • → Explore CSTEP's interdisciplinary projects to understand how this role interfaces with energy, climate, or urban development teams
  • → Investigate the specific HPC infrastructure CSTEP uses and how it might impact model configuration approaches

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for configuring and validating a WRF-Chem simulation for a specific region
2 How would you design a model validation study comparing WRF-CAMx outputs with Indian air quality monitoring network data?
3 Describe a time you had to troubleshoot convergence issues or performance bottlenecks in a chemical transport model
4 What Python libraries and statistical methods have you used for analyzing and visualizing model outputs?
5 How would you approach developing a research proposal on PM2.5 source apportionment for an Indian megacity using chemical transport modeling?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague descriptions of modeling experience without specific examples of WRF-Chem/CAMx configuration or optimization
  • Focusing solely on global-scale models without demonstrating relevance to regional Indian air quality applications
  • Submitting generic application materials that don't address CSTEP's policy-relevant research mission

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)!

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