KNMI plays a strong international role in the new research field of emission estimates derived from satellite data. With the new generation of satellites (GOME-2, OMI and TROPOMI) it became feasible to estimate emissions with a useful accuracy and resolution for users. These estimates are a valuable addition to the already existing bottom-up emission inventories from statistical sources. For research of climate change knowledge of methane emissions is very relevant. Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas, but a lot is still unknown about the regional sources and sinks.

The post-doc will work in a small ambitious team of scientists studying emission estimates for air quality and climate change research. The post-doc will develop algorithms for regional emission estimates of methane from satellite observations. This will be done in phases with increasingly more complex methods. It starts with studying satellite data and testing of simple inversion methods. Later, inversion methods involving data assimilation techniques will be developed. The algorithms will be applied to existing satellite observations (e.g. SCIAMACHY, GOSAT) and to the new satellite mission Sentinel 5-p of which KNMI is PI institute for the TROPOMI instrument. The results will be presented in an international context, but they also have relevance for national policy making.

The applicant is expected to:

• have a PhD degree in physics or a related field.
• have good analytic and mathematical skills.
• have good interpersonal skills.
• be fluent in English.
• preferable have knowledge of Fortran and/or Python.

• Salaris­niveauschaal: 11
• Maand­salaris: Min €3.130 – Max. €4.809 (bruto)
• Dienst­verband: Tijdelijke aanstelling voor de duur van project / traject / werkzaamheden
• Contract­duur: 5 jaar
• Minimaal aantal uren per week: 36
• Maximaal aantal uren per week: 36

Naast het salaris en vakantiegeld kun je rekenen op een eindejaarsuitkering, de zogenaamde 13e maand. De Rijksoverheid hecht sterk aan persoonlijke groei en loopbaanontwikkeling en biedt daarvoor tal van mogelijkheden. Tot de secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden behoren onder meer maximaal 55% betaald ouderschapsverlof (onder voorwaarden), studiefaciliteiten, een extra verlofregeling voor ouderen en een vergoeding woon-werkverkeer. Bovendien heb je een aantal individuele keuzemogelijkheden bij het samenstellen van je arbeidsvoorwaardenpakket.

• Temporary position for the duration of maximum 5 years.
• The position is available per direct in agreement with the candidate.

Ministry of Infrastructure and Watermanagement/Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Watermanagement is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality.

The KNMI is the independent Dutch authority on weather, climate and seismology and contributes to reducing the impact of related calamities to society. For this purpose KNMI develops high-quality knowledge combined with state-of-the-art observations. Besides creating scientific output, products and services are developed with the aim to inform society in an efficient and transparent way.

Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is the national institute for weather, climate research and seismology. It disseminates weather information to the public at large, the government, aviation and the shipping industry in the interest of safety, the economy and a sustainable environment. To gain insight into long-term developments, KNMI conducts research on climate change.  The department of Climate Observations contributes to research and monitoring of the Earth system by utilizing satellites. Its research activities focus on satellite observations for climate research, air quality and stratospheric ozone. The satellite activities of the department encompass the entire range from collecting user requirements, developing and generating the required satellite products, to atmospheric research using the satellite data.