Atmospheric scientist MEDUSA

You and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research

Reducing methane emissions has become an absolute priority of global climate policy. Satellites have been both a catalyst and prime supporter of these reductions by revealing large emission hot spots around the world. SRON has been at the forefront of this revolution by providing key data and analysis. SRON is the co-Principal Investigator Institute for TROPOMI, a Dutch instrument realised together with ESA and launched October 2017. SRON’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of the operational algorithms for methane and carbon monoxide. We have various research projects with high-impact stakeholders focusing on methane emissions using the TROPOMI satellite data, also in conjunction with high spatial resolution satellites like GHGSat, Sentinel-2, EnMAP, and VIIRS that allow us to pinpoint emissions to individual facilities, enabling mitigation efforts. You will analyse TROPOMI - and other satellite - methane data to study methane emissions around the world including from large super-emitters that are urgent mitigation targets.

Your position and team

You will be part of our team of scientists working on the interpretation of TROPOMI - and other - satellite data in the Earth Science Group (ESG) of SRON. The ESG consists of approximately 35 scientists (permanent, postdocs, PhD students) that work on the interpretation of satellite data, data processing, as well as the development of new instrumentation. Our team (~15 persons) develops methods to detect and identify sources and quantify emissions of various trace gases using satellite data in conjunction with atmospheric modelling. Our research addresses topics with large societal relevance.

Your project

You will work on the ESA MEDUSA project which SRON leads as part of a large European consortium. The focus of MEDUSA is on the validation and intercomparisons of the detection, emission quantification, and application of facility (‘point sources’) and urban scale methane measurements using different satellites (e.g., TROPOMI, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3, PRISMA, EMIT, EnMAP, VIIRS and GHGSat). You will work to improve the quantification of methane emissions (including uncertainty assessments) across scales using these instruments including by using atmospheric modeling; the validation and quality assessment of these quantifications; and advance the use of satellite data to support emission mitigation. You will present your work to various stakeholders as well as at scientific conferences, and publish your work in scientific peer reviewed journals.

Requirements

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 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.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 2 x 2 years.

What we offer

The position we offer at SRON is full-time for a period of two years with the possibility of a two-year extension in which you will be employed by NWO-I, The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes. The salary will be in accordance with NWO salary scale 10, commensurate with your education and experience, be for a maximum of €5.468,- gross per month on a full-time basis.

NWO has excellent 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 and hybrid working;

Why SRON

SRON's mission is to achieve breakthroughs in international scientific research from space. To this end, SRON develops groundbreaking technology and advanced space instruments. SRON promotes societal applications for space technology. We have a strong international reputation for 'excellence in space research'. The quality and societal relevance of our science is considered ‘world-leading’.

Employer

SRON (Space Research Organisation Netherlands)

About SRON

SRON is the Space Research Organisation Netherlands. Based at locations in Leiden and Groningen, SRON combines fundamental scientific research, technology innovation, and instrument development to enable breakthroughs in astrophysics, exoplanet research, and earth atmospheric research from space. In partnership with leading international partners and space agencies such as ESA, NASA, and JAXA, SRON contributes science and technology to international space missions as well as expertise and support to the Dutch and international scientific communities.

SRON is the national base for the Netherlands participation in the ESA science program. On the national level, it works in close collaboration with the Dutch universities, other NWO institutes, and governmental agencies to pursue a cohesive agenda for space-based research.