PhD vacatures

Are you an ambitious, highly motivated, and result driven (postdoctoral) scientist with experience in interpreting atmospheric (satellite) observations? Then you are the person we are looking for.

You and SRON

SRON is the space research expert institute in the Netherlands, developing and using Earth observation satellite instruments for climate and air quality research. SRON is the (co-) Principal Investigator institute for a.o. The Dutch satellite instruments TROPOMI, SPEX-One, and TANGO. We work together with international partners such as the UN, ECMWF CAMS, the Global Methane Hub, and the World Bank to turn these data into emission reductions. Your work at SRON will improve the detection, monitoring, and understanding of large methane emissions from solid waste disposal sites worldwide. Your work will focus on analyzing high spatial resolution (facility‑scale) GHGSat observations, exploring synergies with other datasets and observations by other satellites.

Your position and team

You will be part of the methane research team in the Earth Science Group (ESG) of SRON. The ESG consists of approximately 40 scientists (permanent, postdocs, PhD students) that work on the data processing and interpretation of satellite measurements as well as the definition of new instrumentation and guiding the development. Our team develops methods to detect and identify sources and quantify emissions of various trace gases using satellite data in conjunction with atmospheric modelling and machine learning. Our research aims to address topics with societal relevance.

Methane is responsible for about a third of global warming, and reducing methane emissions is the most effective way to slow down climate change on the short term. A large fraction of total methane emissions comes from a limited number of super‑emitting (point) sources including solid waste disposal sites. Solid waste is responsible for about 12% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, and with a growing global population it is an important target for emission reductions. You will be working on our TWOS (Targeting Waste emissions Observed from Space) project together with GHGSat and the Global Methane Hub. In this project, we measure methane emissions from 10+ waste sites in the Global South in support of local mitigation activities. Plume detection and emission quantification as well as data interpretation using atmospheric modeling is at the core of the research activities. We also evaluate urban and national‑scale emissions using TROPOMI observations with inverse modeling to provide context for these site‑level estimates. The project also involves supporting active engagement with NGOs and local partners. Your work will fit in and complement our on‑going research on methane (super‑emitters) as part of LOW‑Methane, UNEP’s IMEO‑MARS, World Bank, and CAMS projects.

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 etc.) observations. Strong programming and data analytics skills are also expected. Experience with research on atmospheric methane, transport modelling and/or 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.

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 Organisation 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:

• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;
• 42 days of vacation leave a year on a full‑time basis;
• 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’.

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.

SRON is the Dutch national expertise institute for scientific space research. SRON’s mission is to bring about breakthroughs in international space…

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