The successful candidate will work on the assimilation of the satellite observations from Tropomi (Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument), which was launched on ESA's Sentinel-5 precursor satellite in October 2017 as part of the EU Copernicus Earth observation programme, the NASA CrIS instrument and the European series of IASI instruments. Both nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3) observations from space will be used.

After establishing the interface between the high-resolution KNMI weather forecast model HARMONIE and the Dutch national air quality model LOTOS-EUROS, modifications will be made in Lotos-Euros to the existing ensemble Kalman filter (LETKF) in close cooperation with TNO Utrecht and other partners. The potential for improvements is investigated to the existing observation operators to assimilate the observations of nitrogen compounds from TROPOMI, CrIS and IASI. Different combinations of satellite data and surface network measurements will be assimilated to study the added value of the satellite measurements. Tools will be developed for performing OSSEs (Observing System Simulation Experiments), also for the benefit of future satellite mission concepts such as NITROSAT.

This project is funded by the Netherlands Space Office. It will be carried out in close collaboration with KNMI for their expertise on Tropomi data and Harmonie model, and further with two postdocs at the partner universities of Free University of Amsterdam (VU) and Wageningen University and Research (WUR). The project is part of the newly established science network on Air Quality research in The Netherlands including universities, national knowledge institutions like KNMI, TNO and RIVM, and other partners in the field of Air Quality research in the Netherlands.

If you want to be part of a unique team project team working from TU Delft and KNMI, using state-of-the-art satellite data of the atmospheric composition in order to foster the use of satellite observations in the Netherlands,  and you fulfill the requirements below, please apply.

• PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Meteorology, Fluid Dynamics, or similar field;
• Affinity with atmospheric modelling and data assimilation techniques;
• Strong programming skills (Fortran, Python or similar);
• Ability to work independently, to critically assess own results and to cooperate within a wider research team;
• Good reporting and presentation skills;
• Excellent level of written and spoken English.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Duration of contract is 1 year with possible extension up to a maximum of 29 months. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

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