[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD vacancy, Chemical Data Assimilation using TROPOMI satellite data, SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research

[Ilse Aben]

SRON's mission is to bring about breakthroughs in international space research. Therefore, the institute develops pioneering technology and advanced space instruments, and uses them to pursue fundamental astrophysical, Earth science, and exoplanetary research. As national expertise institute SRON gives counsel to the Dutch government and coordinates national contributions to international space missions. SRON stimulates the implementation of space science in our society.

Our Earth Science Group has a vacancy for


PhD-student
Vacancy number 1646

in Data assimilation of the chemical composition of the atmosphere.

Are you interested in applying the knowledge and skills that you acquired in your studies to an exciting scientific question in climate research? Please apply at SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research!

Project outline
In this project, you will investigate the photochemical cleansing efficiency of the atmosphere that controls the mean residence time of air pollutants. The question is if human activities that altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere have influenced its cleansing capacity. The Dutch TROPOMI satellite instrument provides a wealth of new data containing pieces of the key to solve this question. You will work with data assimilation techniques applied to a global model of the atmosphere to extract this information from the data. This project is an international collaboration dedicated to solving this question, between researchers at SRON, KNMI and VU Amsterdam, as well as colleagues at JamsTeC Japan and JPL USA, which you will take part in.

Tasks
Modify an existing global chemical data assimilation system for the use of TROPOMI data, supported by experts on this system as well as satellite data experts. Learn how to apply this system to new data, and test its performance using independent measurements collected from surface and aircraft measurements, as well as other satellite instruments. Investigate variations in parameters, most notably the hydroxyl radical (OH), that determines the atmospheric cleansing capacity. Compare model-derived predictions for OH with other independent methods, e.g. based on methyl chloroform. Investigate how changes in OH may have influenced the global growth rate of the greenhouse gas methane. You will present your results at scientific conferences and publish in scientific journals.

Requirements
For this project we are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated Ph.D. student with the following qualifications:


·                 A M.Sc. degree in physics, applied mathematics, or Earth Sciences

·                 Extensive experience with computer programming and statistical methods in research projects

·                 Experience in scientific writing and presenting

·                 A fluent command of the English language

·                 Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Employment conditions
Employment of this full-time position is by NWO-I (the Institutes organization of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) and will be for a period of 18 months. This will be extended to  4 years when your performance evaluation after 9 months is satisfactory. The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of NWO-I, starting at €2.407,- in the first year and rising to €3.085,- in the fourth year of employment.

NWO-I 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 full-time basis;
•           An excellent pension scheme;
•           Options for (additional) personal development;
•           Excellent facilities for parental leave.

The PhD-student will be based for ~50% of her/his time at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, and for ~50% at KNMI in de Bilt.

Information and application
More information about SRON can be found at www.sron.nl<http://www.sron.nl>.
For further information about the position, please contact prof. dr. Sander Houweling (s.houweling at sron.nl<mailto:s.houweling at sron.nl>), dr. Henk Eskes (henk.eskes at knmi.nl), or prof.dr. Ilse Aben (i.aben at sron.nl).
If you wish to apply you can send a motivation letter with CV and the name(s) and address(es) of reference(s) (incl. phone and e‑mail) via mail to jobs at sron.nl<mailto:jobs at sron.nl>.
Please state the vacancy number "SRON 1646" in the subject of your mail. Applications will be accepted until 11 November 2020.

Other
In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to female applicants.
No commercial propositions please.
Online screening may be part of the selection procedure.

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