Are you our new colleague?

Are you an ambitious, highly motivated and result driven scientist with good skills in data analytics and experience in the interpretation of atmospheric (satellite)data? Then you are the person we are looking for!

You and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research

SRON is the co-Principal Investigator Institute for TROPOMI, a Dutch instrument realized together with ESA that has been a game-changer for studying methane emissions from space. SRON’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of the operational algorithms for methane and carbon monoxide. We have various research projects focusing on using the TROPOMI data to better understand methane emissions, also in conjunction with a growing suite of high spatial resolution satellites including GHGSat, Sentinel-2, EnMAP, and PRISMA. We have detected and studied methane super-emitters around the world including coal mines, landfills, and well blowouts and unlit flares in the oil/gas industry. You will join the team at SRON working on this exciting topic where science also enables and supports climate action.

Your position and team

You will be part of our team of scientists working on the interpretation of TROPOMI – and other – satellite data in the Earth Science Group (ESG) of SRON. The ESG consists of approximately 25 scientists (permanent, postdocs, PhD students) that work on the interpretation of satellite data, data processing, as well as the definition of new instrumentation. Our team develops methods to detect and identify sources and quantify emissions of various trace gases using satellite data in conjunction with atmospheric modelling. Our research aims to address topics with societal relevance.

Your project

The focus of this project is on methane emissions from urban areas, the oil and gas industry, coal mines, and landfills. You will join the team at SRON that uses TROPOMI methane data, in conjunction with high spatial resolution satellite data, to assess methane emissions globally. This includes methane super emitters as well as methane area sources, or combinations thereof. Methane emissions will be derived with flux inversions using atmospheric transport models as well as using mass balance methods and machine learning. The work will be used in support of climate mitigation action through the IMEO, Global Methane Hub and others. You will present your work to various stakeholders as well as at scientific conferences, and publish your work in scientific peer reviewed journals.

Position requirements

We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and result driven scientist with a PhD in atmospheric sciences/(astro)physics or a similar degree, experience in the interpretation of atmospheric (e.g. satellite, aircraft, …) observations using transport models, and good data analytics and computer programming skills. Experience with flux inversions and/or machine learning is considered an asset.

A good command of the English language is essential and you should be able to work both independently as well as in a team.

What we offer

We offer you an inspiring professional environment with driven teams and colleagues and good career opportunities. This position is for two years, with the possibility for an extension of another two years. You will be formally employed by NWO-I, the NWO institute organization to which we belong.

Employees of NWO-I/SRON are covered by the collective labor agreement for research institutes (Cao-OI). Your place of employment is Leiden. This position is placed in salary scale 10, (maximum €4.789,- gross per month on a full-time basis).

NWO-I has good secondary employment conditions such as:

•                excellent reputation in space science

•                societal relevant, high quality science

•                extensive development opportunities

•                holiday allowance and full 13th month

•                42 vacation days a year

•                a favorable parental leave scheme

•                possibility to partially work from home

•                well-equipped modern labs

Why SRON

SRON's mission is to achieve breakthroughs in international scientific research from space. To this end, SRON develops groundbreaking technology and advanced space instruments. SRON promotes societal applications for space technology. We have a strong international reputation as 'excellent in space research'. The quality and societal relevance of our science is considered ‘world-leading’.

About SRON

SRON is the Netherlands Institute for Space Research. Based at locations in Leiden and Groningen, SRON combines fundamental scientific research, technology innovation, and instrumentation development to enable breakthroughs in astrophysics, exoplanet research, and earth atmospheric research from space. In partnership with leading international partners and space agencies such as ESA, NASA and JAXA, SRON provides scientific and technological contributions to international space missions as well as expertise and support to the Dutch and international scientific communities.

SRON is the national base for the Netherlands participation in the ESA science program. On the national level, it works in close collaboration with the Dutch universities, other NWO institutes, and governmental agencies to pursue a cohesive agenda for space-based research.

At SRON, we are committed to diversity in the workplace and an inclusive culture. We explicitly invite people from all conceivable backgrounds to apply. Everyone is different and has unique talents. We embrace that diversity and believe it makes us stronger, more innovative, and enriches our institute. We therefore strongly encourage qualified applicants of all ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, members of minorities, persons with disabilities, or other non-traditional backgrounds to apply.