MAQ is looking for a PhD candidate to analyze TROPOMI satellite measurements for ship emissions. The PhD candidate will research ship emissions of air pollutants within the project "Algorithms for the Verification of Emissions from Shipping with Satellites (AVES-oculuS)". The project is a joint initiative from the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, Wageningen University, and Leiden University. Our team is driven by the desire to use new high-resolution satellite measurements (S5P-TROPOMI) and innovative data science techniques to track down ships not complying with international emission agreements. The focus will be on verifying emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide by ships on open sea, where compliance monitoring is traditionally difficult, but the new TROPOMI data now provides unique new opportunities. Activities of the PhD candidate will include high-resolution plume dispersion modeling, machine-learning of ship signatures, and development of fast and automated satellite data processing algorithms.

The PhD candidate will be based in the Meteorology and Air Quality group at Wageningen, and work closely with the other team members working on this project via Leiden University, and with the other project partners. The project is led by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and is a collaboration between Wageningen University, ILT, Leiden University (Centre of Data Science), and KNMI.

A motivated team player with the following background and skills:

• MSc in Remote Sensing, Data Science, Physics, Chemistry or related field
• A strong background in data analysis, programming, and scripting
• Motivated, enthusiastic and creative researcher
• Eager to collaborate with others, outstanding communicator
• Fluent English communication and writing skills.

We offer a full-time position, initially for 18 months after which a go/no go decision will be taken on extension with another 30 months. Gross salary per month € 2.325,-- in the first year, rising to € 2.971,= per month in the fourth year, for a fulltime appointment .

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• 232 holiday hours;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of our University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With approximately 30 locations, 6,500 employees, and 12,000 students, it is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

The Meteorology and Air Quality (MAQ) department contributes to the further understanding of atmospheric processes and their relevance for weather, air quality and climate. MAQ is part of the Environmental Sciences Group (ESG) of Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR). ESG provides academic education and research on our living environment: the atmosphere, soil, water, nature, landscape and land usage. Knowledge is applied for adaptation to climate change, ocean management, competing claims on space, biodiversity and the sustainability of management and production.