The European research project AVENGERS develops techniques for improving the greenhouse gas emission reports that countries submit annually to the UNFCCC. Currently most country reports are based solely on emission accounting methods based on statistics on economic activities. This project investigates how results of atmospheric inverse modelling can be used to improve national emission inventories, such that they are consistent with observed changes in greenhouse gas abundances in the atmosphere. The international and multi-disciplinary research team includes scientists as well as inventory experts from national environmental agencies in Europe.

Your duties

• join the development of the WRF-CTDAS inverse modelling system and use it to estimate European emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O from measurement of o.a. the ICOS tall tower network
• investigate how the emission estimates for CH4 can be improved using new satellite and isotopic measurements
• investigate how inverse modelling can be used to improve emission inventories, in cooperation with inventory experts
• present your research in AVENGERS project meetings and scientific conferences

• a PhD degree in atmospheric research
• experience in the development and use of atmospheric inverse models is preferred
• experience in programming languages, including Fortran and Python
• 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 €2,960 (scale 10)
and a maximum €4,670 (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:

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus,
• child daycare facilities available on campus,
• good paid parental leave scheme,
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge,
• contribution to commuting expenses

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 more than 11,000 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.