You and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
SRON is the co-Principal Investigator Institute for TROPOMI, a Dutch instrument realised together with ESA and launched October 2017. SRON’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of the operational algorithms for methane and carbon monoxide. We have various research projects focusing on methane emissions using the TROPOMI satellite data, also in conjunction with high spatial resolution satellites like GHGSat, Sentinel-2, EnMAP, etc. You will analyse TROPOMI - and other satellite - methane data to study methane emissions around the world including from super-emitters.

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 development 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 our contribution to the ESA MEDUSA (Methane Emission Detection Using Satellites Assessment) project that SRON is leading. MEDUSA brings together the leading institutes and companies in Europe and Canada in the field. In this project, we will be intercomparing and validating methane detection and emission quantifications of ‘point sources’ and urban-hot spots using different satellites (e.g. TROPOMI, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3, PRISMA, EMIT, EnMAP, GHGSat, …) and amongst different research groups. In addition, we will perform case studies including for example emission inversions quantifying both area and point source emissions for some of the important oil and gas producing countries that signed up to the Global Methane Pledge. These inversions will incorporate both TROPOMI and GHGSat data. Your work will fit in and complement our on-going research on methane (super-emitters) as part of UNEP’s IMEO-MARS, CAMS, and a GMH-funded landfill project.

You will present your work to various stakeholders as well as at scientific conferences, and publish your work in scientific peer reviewed journals.

We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated, and result driven scientist with a PhD in atmospheric sciences or a similar degree, with experience in the interpretation of atmospheric (e.g. satellite, aircraft, …) observations using transport models. Strong programming and data analytics skills are also expected. Knowledge or experience with research on atmospheric methane and flux inversions is considered an asset. A highly developed proficiency in written and oral English is essential and the candidate should be capable of working both independently and in a team.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months with option for extension to a max of 2 years.

What we offer
The (postdoc) position we offer at SRON is a full-time position in which you will be employed by NWO-I (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes) for a period of 2 years. This position can be extended with another 2 years. The salary will be in accordance with NWO salary scale 10 with a maximum of  € 5.141,– gross per month on a full-time basis (depending on your level of education and experience). Compensation for commuting expenses will be provided.

NWO has good secondary employment conditions such as:

• An end-of-year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;
• 42 days of vacation leave a year on a full-time basis;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• Options for (additional) personal development;
• Excellent facilities for parental leave;
• Ample training opportunities;
• Possibility of flexible working hours;

SRON institute for space research

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’.

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.

More information about SRON can be found at www.sron.nl. For further information about the content of the position, please contact Prof.dr. Ilse Aben (e.a.a.aben@sron.nl) or dr. Bram Maasakkers (j.d.maasakkers@sron.nl). Applications can be submitted through our website www.werkenbijSRON.nl until 8 June.