The Earth & Climate cluster seeks a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist with a background in remote sensing using on ground instrumentation. The improved spatial resolution of the current and upcoming generation of greenhouse gas sensors onboard satellites (e.g. S5p TROPOMI, Copernicus CO2-M) makes emission quantification of greenhouse gases possible of large local sources such as cities and large industrial facilities. However, to reach the required accuracy is still a challenge, calling for methodological development supported by on ground data. 
In this project we make use of a mobile Bruker EM27/Sun fourier transform spectrometer for measuring total column CO2, CH4 and CO, and a Cimel CE318-TP9 sun photometer for measuring aerosols to be mounted on a mobile measurement platform. Using this mobile equipment, urban gradients in greenhouse gas abundance will be measured with the ICOS measurement site at Cabauw as reference. The observed co-variation of greenhouse gases and aerosols will be used to improve the methods for retrieving greenhouse gases column abundances from satellites.

Your duties

• set up the EM27/Sun and Cimel spectrometers and prepare for their use in measurement campaigns
• contribute to the planning and execution of measurement campaigns in the Netherlands as well as abroad (e.g. COCCON network)
• analyze the data in cooperation with retrieval and modeling experts at VU and SRON
• present results at project meetings and international conferences
• publish in prominent international journals

• PhD degree in atmospheric science, specialized in ground-based remote sensing
• experience with the retrieval of atmospheric abundances from remotely sensed spectra
• a proven interest in remote sensing of greenhouse gases and quantification of emissions
• be able to work successfully in an (inter)national research team
• be fluent in English speaking and writing

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,709 (scale 10)
and a maximum €4,274 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 2 years, with the possibility of extension.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting allowance based on public transport
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave

https://workingat.vu.nl/vacancies

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. And to be a university where personal education and societal involvement play a leading role. Where people from different disciplines and backgrounds work together on innovations and on generating new knowledge. Our teaching and research embrace the whole spectrum of science – from the humanities, the social sciences and the pure sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.
 
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 23,000 students. We employ more than 4,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive community, and we believe that diversity and international activities enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background and experience.

The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
 
The position we offer is in the Earth & Climate cluster of the Earth Sciences department. Activities are carried out as part of the Dutch large-scale infrastructure project 'Ruisdael Observatory', in collaboration with several academic partners in The Netherlands, notably SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research.