Postdoc: Air Quality, Emission Scenarios and Network Optimisation

Within the RegioDeal Foodvalley (RDFV-II) programme, you will contribute to advanced analyses of air quality monitoring data, emission modelling and scenario studies related to livestock farming and environmental health. RDFV-II is a large public–private collaboration between the Dutch government, regional authorities, societal partners and academic institutions. Its goal is to support the transition towards a sustainable and healthy food system by reducing emissions of ammonia, particulate matter and related agricultural pollutants, and limiting impacts on human health.

Your job
You will be embedded in the One Health Chemical group at IRAS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University. This dynamic and socially engaged group studies how environmental exposures affect health, focusing on the exposome, healthy urban living, and work and health. You will collaborate closely with and you will work both at IRAS and at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be working on the topic of ammonia behaviour in source areas. With the shifting focus of policy from deposition to emissions (target management), a better understanding of the processes in source areas has become crucial. Moreover, understanding what happens in source areas is also essential for interpreting developments in nature reserves.

You will be responsible for:

• statistical evaluation of air-quality monitoring network designs, including optimisation of monitoring density for trend detection and model validation;
• comparison of ground-based measurement data with RIVM dispersion models and satellite observations;
• refinement of regional emission and scenario models at farm, sector and regional scale;
• integration of long-term concentration trends, emission inventories and policy measures;
• scenario modelling to assess the effectiveness of emission-reduction strategies and policy impacts;
• improvement of model inputs, including farm-level emissions and manure application data;
• integration of hybrid modelling approaches (e.g. Land-Use Regression combined with dispersion modelling and/or satellite data) to improve spatial concentration maps;
• preparation and publication of scientific papers and scenario study reports;
• occasional support of fieldwork activities, if required.

While the tasks within RDFV-II are clearly defined, there is ample opportunity to emphasise your own research interests and strengths. Collaboration with the Knowledge Network for Regional Environmental Nitrogen Measurements (Onderzoeksprogramma Regionale Omgevingsmetingen Stikstof, OROS) is essential, as there are clear parallel questions. The project provides strong support for your academic and/or professional development, including participation in international conferences, stakeholder interactions in the Netherlands, and meetings with National and European partner organisations.

• A temporary employment contract for a period of one year, with an extension of up to two years in case of good performance;
• a working week of 32-36 hours;
• a gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

The Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) is an interfaculty research institute of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medical Sciences at Utrecht University. IRAS seeks answers to the question: How does the environment influence the health of humans and animals? By gaining more insight into the interaction between humans, animals, and the environment, we aim to contribute to improving the health of this triad, also known as One Health.

For more information about the position, please contact Dr Daniel Martins Figueiredo at d.m.figueiredo@uu.nl or Kees de Hoogh at c.hoogh@uu.nl.

Please note that you will need to live and be registered in the Netherlands no later than shortly after the start of the contract. Applications from outside the Netherlands are welcome—we are a highly international team—but you will need to relocate here for the duration of your contract.