Atmospheric Scientist

Your project

The focus of this project is on our contribution to the ESA MEDUSA (Methane Emission Detection Using Satellites Assessment) project that SRON is leading, and to the European HORIZON2020 methane project IM4CA (Investigating Methane for Climate Action). MEDUSA brings together the leading institutes and companies in Europe and Canada in the field to evaluate and improve satellite methane data and make it more actionable for policy users. In this project, we will be intercomparing and validating methane detection and emission quantifications of ‘point sources’ and urban-scale hot spots using different satellites (e.g., TROPOMI, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3, PRISMA, EMIT, EnMAP, and GHGSat) and amongst different research groups. Within IM4CA, we collaborate with 26 European partners to assess regional and global sources and sinks of methane by using (satellite) atmospheric data from routine monitoring and campaigns in combination with atmospheric models. Your work will fit in and complement our on-going research on methane (super-emitters) as part of UNEP’s IMEO-MARS, CAMS, and a Global Methane Hub funded landfill project.

You will present your work to various stakeholders as well as at scientific conferences, and publish your work in scientific peer reviewed journals.

Position requirements

We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and result driven scientist with a PhD in atmospheric sciences or a similar degree, with experience in the interpretation of atmospheric (e.g. satellite, aircraft, …) observations using transport models. Strong programming and data analytics skills are also expected. Experience with research on atmospheric methane and flux inversions and/or machine learning is considered an asset. A highly developed proficiency in written and oral English is essential and the candidate should be capable of working both independently and in a team.

What we offer

The Scientist C (postdoc) position we offer at SRON is a full-time position in which you will be employed by NWO-I (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes) for a period of 2 years. This position can be extended for another 2 years. The salary will be in accordance with NWO salary scale 10 with a maximum of  € 5.486,– gross per month on a full-time basis (depending on your level of education and experience). Compensation for commuting expenses will be provided.

NWO has good secondary employment conditions such as:

• An end-of-year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;
• 42 days of vacation leave a year on a full-time basis;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• Options for (additional) personal development;
• Excellent facilities for parental leave;
• Ample training opportunities;
• Possibility of flexible working hours;