Job The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) - Scientist (PostDoc) 10-15

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important air pollutant which has its main source in incomplete combustion processes. In order to monitor the concentration of atmospheric CO, satellite measurements are essential. SCIAMACHY, which is launched in 2002 on-board of the ESA Envisat satellite and is still operational, is the first instrument measuring this trace gas from space in the Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) spectral range. SRON is the co-PI institute for the SCIAMACHY project and focuses on the retrieval and data analysis of the SWIR spectral range including the atmospheric CO abundances. For the new ESA Precursor Sentinel 5 mission, to be launched in 2014, SRON is responsible for the science requirements for the SWIR channel and the delivery of the SWIR retrieval algorithm for CO.

This vacancy concerns a position which is dedicated to developing the CO retrieval algorithm for the SWIR channel for the TROPOMI instrument on-board ESA’s Precursor Sentinel 5 mission. This builds on the experience at the institute on SWIR retrieval and data analysis of SCIAMACHY.

• Ph.D. in (astro)physics, meteorology, or applied mathematics;
• Extensive experience in scientific computing and numerical techniques is required;
• Knowledge of radiative transfer modelling and inversion techniques for data retrieval is required;
• Experience with retrievals, data analysis and instrument calibration in data analysis would be an asset;
• Capable of working both independently and in a team is essential;
• Good knowledge of the English language is essential.

Employment of the full-time position is as Scientist C at SRON Utrecht is by NWO (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) and will be for a period of 2 years (with the possibility of extension). The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of NWO with a maximum of €3.766,- gross per month on a full-time basis.
NWO has good secondary employment conditions such as:

• An end of year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
• At least 42 days of vacation leave a year on full-time basis;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• Options for (additional) personal development;
• Excellent facilities for parental leave.

NWO is the most prominent financier of science in the Netherlands. Its task is to facilitate excellence in Dutch scientific research through national competition.  NWO grants subsidies to the amount of approximately 700 million Euros per annum for cutting-edge research and top researchers, for innovative instruments and equipment, and for top research institutes. NWO finances the research projects of thousands of talented scientists at universities and institutes. Independent experts carry out peer review selection. NWO fosters the transfer of knowledge to society.

Specialists from various disciplines work together at SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research to push back the frontiers of technology and with this to advance the boundaries of scientific knowledge. SRON is considered to be a global leader in the area of earth and space science, due to the space instruments it develops for the satellites of ESA, NASA and JAXA.

For further information you can contact dr. J. Landgraf +31(0)88  - 777 5842 or prof.dr. I. Aben +31 (0)88 - 777 5879 and see: www.sron.nl.