The European research project COCO2 develops new infrastructure for atmospheric monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions in preparation for the launch of the CO2M satellite constellation in 2025/2026. The CO2M satellites will measure the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane along with other supporting parameters. Within COCO2 we develop the WRF-CTDAS atmospheric inverse modelling system, which is designed to translate atmospheric measurements of greenhouse gases into their corresponding emissions. The aim is to develop the tools needed to evaluate the quality of national inventory reports on greenhouse gas emissions to the UNFCCC using independent atmospheric information.

Your duties

• prepare WRF-CTDAS for inverse modelling of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from Western European countries in cooperation with COCO2 partners
• investigate the use of CO2M satellite data for estimating European carbon dioxide emissions
• assist in the coordination of an international inverse model intercomparison on European methane emissions
• present your research in COCO2 project meetings and scientific conferences

• a PhD degree on a topic relevant to this postdoc position
• a strong motivation to pursue a career in science
• experience in the development and use of atmospheric inverse models is preferred
• a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team
• excellent command of the English language in speaking and writing

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2.846 (scale 10)
and a maximum €4,474 (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.
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, child daycare facilities available on campus, contribution to commuting expenses, discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
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.

About the department, institute, project
The Department of Earth Sciences has approximately 35 permanent staff members organized in twelve research groups collaborating in four broad research themes. The Department studies all aspects of the dynamics of the Earth with an integrated approach to quantify the interplay and feedback mechanisms between the interior, surface and atmosphere of the Earth.