Your project

The focus of this project is on methane super emitters from various sectors such as the oil and gas industry, coal mines and landfills. You will work in the team that uses TROPOMI to detect methane super emitters globally. These detections are then used to guide high spatial resolution satellite instruments (e.g. GHGSat, Sentinel-2, PRISMA etc) to zoom-in with targeted observations or data-analysis to identify the sources responsible. Once sources are identified this information is then communicated to relevant parties such as the United Nations International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) in order to mitigate the emissions. Part of the high spatial resolution data analysis is also done by the team at SRON and part of it is in collaboration with external partners. The work will also include quantification and monitoring of the emissions, as well as performing case studies to improve our research methodologies and our understanding of super emitters. You will present your work to various stakeholders as well as at scientific conferences, and publish your work in scientific peer reviewed journals.

Position requirements

We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and result driven scientist with a PhD in atmospheric sciences/(astro)physics, or a similar degree, with extensive experience and good skills in data analytics and computer programming. Experience with the interpretation of atmospheric (e.g. satellite, aircraft, …) observations using transport models and flux inversions is considered an asset. A good command of the English language is essential and you should be able to work both independently as well as in a team.

Fixed-term contract: This position is for two years, with the possibility for an extension of another two years.

What we offer

We offer you an inspiring professional environment with driven teams and colleagues and good career opportunities. This position is for two years, with the possibility for an extension of another two years.You will be formally employed by NWO-I, the NWO institute organisation to which we belong.

Employees of NWO-I/SRON are covered by the collective labour agreement for research institutes (Cao-OI). Your place of employment is Leiden. This position is placed in salary scale 10, (maximum € 4.514,- gross per month on a full-time basis).

NWO-I has good secondary employment conditions such as:

•            excellent reputation in space science

•            societal relevant, high quality science

•            extensive development opportunities

•            42 vacation days a year

•            a favorable parental leave scheme

•            possibility to partially work from home

•            well-equipped modern labs

SRON

SRON is the co-Principal Investigator Institute for TROPOMI, a Dutch instrument realised together with ESA and launched October 2017. SRON’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of the operational algorithms for methane and carbon monoxide. We have various research projects focusing on methane emissions using the TROPOMI satellite data, also in conjunction with high spatial resolution satellites like GHGSat, Sentinel-2, PRISMA etc. You will analyse TROPOMI – and other satellite – methane data to study methane super emitters around the world.

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 as 'excellent in space research'. The quality and societal relevance of our science is considered ‘world-leading’.

About SRON

We have a strong international reputation as 'excellent in space research'. The quality and societal relevance of our science is considered ‘world-leading’. Our mission is to bring about breakthroughs in international space science.

Therefore our Instrument Science Group, supported on project basis by the Engineering Group, technologically enables breakthroughs in our science programmes:

Technology, Astrophysics, Earth science (atmospheric science), Exoplanetary science.

Earth Science Group (ESG)

Your position and team

You will be part of our team of scientists working on the interpretation of TROPOMI – and other – satellite data in the Earth Science Group (ESG) of SRON. The ESG consists of approximately 25 scientists (permanent, postdocs, PhD students) that work on the interpretation of satellite data, data processing, as well as the definition of new instrumentation. Our team develops methods to detect and identify sources and quantify emissions of various trace gases using satellite data in conjunction with atmospheric modelling. Our research aims to address topics with societal relevance.