HOURS: Full time; LOCATION: Leiden, The Netherlands
Are you our new colleague?
Are you an ambitious, highly motivated, and result driven (postdoctoral) scientist with experience in interpreting atmospheric (satellite) observations in the context of biomass burning? Then you are the person we are looking for.
Your position
You will contribute to a research project investigating emissions from biomass burning using satellite observations and atmospheric transport modeling. Fires are a major source of carbon monoxide (CO), greenhouse gases and aerosols, yet current fire emission inventories may substantially under- or overestimate their emissions in particular regions. By combining observations from TROPOMI onboard the Sentinel-5P satellite with atmospheric transport modeling and inverse modeling techniques, the project aims to improve our understanding of fire emissions and their uncertainties. You will investigate long-term trends, as well as specific major wildfire events and recurring biomass burning in different regions around the world.
Your team
You will become part of the Earth Science Group (ESG) at SRON. The ESG consists of approximately 40 scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students working on the interpretation of satellite observations, atmospheric modeling, data science, and the development of future Earth observation missions. You will join a research team specializing in the detection and quantification of atmospheric emissions using satellite observations, atmospheric transport modeling, and machine learning. The team has pioneered the use of satellite observations for identifying methane super-emitters and quantifying emissions from natural, industrial and urban sources worldwide.
Your project
Within this project, you will combine TROPOMI, MOPITT and upcoming Sentinel-5 observations of atmospheric CO with atmospheric transport modeling and Bayesian inversion techniques. Building on existing modeling frameworks, you will help develop and apply an integrated system that optimizes fire emissions by minimizing discrepancies between observed and simulated atmospheric CO concentrations. Your work will include:
- Applying an atmospheric inverse modeling framework (TM5-4DVar) to improve estimates of fire and other emissions using TROPOMI and MOPITT CO observations.
- Performing regional atmospheric transport simulations with the WRF-Chem to simulate CO over regions of interest at higher spatial resolutions.
- Investigating long-term trends, as well as major wildfire events and recurring biomass burning activity.
- Identifying the environmental and human drivers of biomass burning.
- Evaluating existing fire emission inventories against satellite observations and inverse model derived emission estimates.
- Combining CO observations with complementary satellite datasets, including fire radiative power, burned area and, where relevant, TROPOMI nitrogen dioxide (NO2), to investigate fire activity and combustion characteristics.
- Maintain communication with relevant stakeholders and the wider CO modeling community, like the TM5 user group and GCP-IGAC Global CO Budget Project.
- Publishing results in leading international scientific journals and presenting your work at scientific conferences and project meetings.
The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of atmospheric science, satellite remote sensing, and biomass burning processes.
Position requirements
We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated and result driven scientist with a PhD in atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental sciences or a related discipline. The ideal candidate has experience in atmospheric transport modeling (e.g. GEOS-Chem, TM5 or related), satellite remote sensing and inverse modeling, preferably in the context of biomass burning. Strong programming and data analysis skills are essential, as well as experience with the analysis of satellite observations of atmospheric trace gases.
Knowledge of biomass burning processes and fire emission inventories would be 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 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 €5.758,- 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;
More information & contact
More information about SRON can be found at www.sron.nl. For further information about the content of the position, please contact Dr. Ivar van der Velde I.R.van.der.Velde@sron.nl or Prof. dr. Ilse Aben E.A.A.Aben@sron.nl. Applications can be submitted through our website www.werkenbijSRON.nl/en.
Due date for first selection of applications is November 15th 2026, after which the position remains open until filled.
About SRON
SRON is the Space Research Organisation Netherlands. Based at locations in Leiden (applies for this position) 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.
Your place at SRON
At SRON, we believe that a diverse workforce in terms of gender, age and cultural background is essential for conducting excellent research. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Online interviews and online screening may be part of the selection procedure.