PhD Research on Particulate Air Quality

In the INFLAMES consortium (https://inflames-project.github.io), we are studying the impact of landscape fires on climate and society from a muti-disciplinary viewpoint. Your job will be to assess the contribution from fire smoke to local air pollution in mega-cities in Asia and Africa, and suggest (if possible) solutions to ameliorate bad air quality during the fire season.

You will combine the Dutch air-quality model LOTOS-EUROS with satellite observations, in a process called data assimilation, to arrive at the best possible description of the evolution of smoke plumes. The data assimilation will, in particular, give us better estimates of the strength of the smoke plumes. This leads to a better understanding of the smoke contribution to local air quality. This data assimilation system, which has been used before, will first be tested on local air pollution around Rotterdam (where we have many local measurements) but will later be applied to e.g. New Delhi or Harare where only satellite data can be used.

You will be hired by the Vrije Universiteit but have a placement for one day in the week at TNO (Utrecht) who have developed LOTOS-EUROS and will provide technical guidance. In addition, you will be a guest researcher at SRON (Leiden) who will provide the satellite data that you will use extensively.

Your duties

• run the LOTOS-EUROS model with data assimilation of satellite observations
• evaluate results against independent observations and analyse consequences for air quality
• participate in meetings of the INFLAMES consortium
• write and publish research papers
• present your results at (international) conferences

• MSc degree, specializing in physics, astrophysics, chemistry, earth sciences or a similar field
• experience in computer programming
• experience in data analysis

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 3.059,00 and maximum € 3.881,00 gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• hybrid working enables a good work-life balance

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting an introductory letter, a diploma, a CV, and a reference check are part of the application process.

Interviews are planned for the week of January 12-16, 2026. We hope the position can be started soon afterwards.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.