The goal of the project is to retrieve aerosol properties using a combination of High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and multi-angle polarimeter measurements. To improve our understanding of the effect of aerosols on climate and air quality, measurements of aerosol chemical composition, size distribution, height profile, and optical properties are of crucial importance.

From a remote sensing perspective, the most extensive set of aerosol properties can be obtained by combining passive multi-angle, multi-spectral measurements of intensity and polarization with active measurements performed by a High Spectral Resolution LIDAR (HSRL). Measurements will be used over North America using the NASA high altitude ER-2 aircraft with onboard 3 different spectro/photo polarimeters (RSP, airMSPI, and SPEX airborne), which differ in terms of spectral, angular, and spatial sampling, and the airborne HSRL-2 Lidar.

The task of the postdoc is to develop an algorithm for a joint retrieval using polarimeter and HSRL measurements simultaneously, making full use of the information in the remote sensing measurements.

The project is collaboration between SRON and different NASA institutes (GISS, LaRC, JPL).

For this interesting and challenging project we are looking for a scientist with a PhD degree in atmospheric science, or (astro-) physics with strong programming skills (preferably in Fortran90 and Python). Experience in the field of data assimilation or aerosol modelling would be an asset. Good knowledge of the English language is essential.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Employment of this fulltime position at SRON-Utrecht is by NWO-I (The Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes) and will be for a period of 2 years. The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of NWO-I with a maximum of € 4,339.00 gross per month on a fulltime basis (highly depending on education and experience).

NWO-I has good secondary employment conditions such as:

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

SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research

SRON's mission is to bring about breakthroughs in international space research. Therefore the institute develops pioneering technology and advanced space instruments, and uses them to pursue fundamental astrophysical research, Earth science and exoplanetary research.

As national expertise institute SRON gives counsel to the Dutch government and coordinates national contributions to international space missions. SRON stimulates the implementation of space science in our society.

SRON Utrecht moves to Leiden in 2021.