Summary
The Space Research Organisation Netherlands (SRON) is seeking an ambitious, highly motivated, and result-driven postdoctoral scientist to join the Earth Science Group (ESG). The successful candidate will contribute to the newly funded COGNITO project, which focuses on developing a global, satellite-based system to detect and quantify carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from major urban areas and industrial facilities (specifically the iron and steel sector) using TROPOMI observations and advanced machine learning techniques.
Post-Doc in Atmospheric Science and Machine Learning, Space Research Organisation Netherlands
Job Overview
| Property | Details |
| Designation | Post-Doc in Atmospheric Science and Machine Learning |
| Location | Leiden, The Netherlands |
| Employment Type | Full-time (2 years with a possibility of a 2-year extension) |
| Salary | Max €5,758 gross per month (NWO salary scale 10) |
| Research Area | Atmospheric Science, Machine Learning, Satellite Remote Sensing, Climate Policy |
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: A PhD in atmospheric sciences or a closely related field.
- Experience: Proven experience in interpreting atmospheric observations (e.g., satellite, aircraft data) and implementing machine learning applications.
- Skills: Strong programming and data analytics skills are required. Highly developed proficiency in written and oral English. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Assets (Preferred but not mandatory): Experience with research on atmospheric CO, transport modeling, and/or flux inversions.
Job Description
As a Post-Doc within the COGNITO project, your core responsibilities will include:
- Applying existing machine learning algorithms for the automated detection of CO plumes in global satellite observations (TROPOMI and potentially Sentinel-5).
- Building a comprehensive global catalogue of CO emission events dating from 2018 onwards.
- Quantifying emissions from cities and iron/steel production facilities using in-house quantification tools.
- Evaluating temporal variability in emissions, including seasonal cycles, operational shifts, and signs of industrial decarbonization.
- Assessing emission quantification tools using atmospheric transport modeling.
- Comparing satellite-derived emission data with bottom-up inventories and reporting systems.
- Publishing findings in leading international scientific journals and presenting research at global conferences and stakeholder meetings.
Compensation & Benefits
Employed by NWO-I (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes), you will receive:
- An end-of-year bonus of 8.33% and a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary.
- 42 days of vacation leave per year (on a full-time basis).
- Commuting expense compensation and an excellent pension scheme.
- Flexible working hours and ample facilities for parental leave and personal development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications directly through the official portal at Working at SRON.
For informal inquiries about the position, you may contact:
- Dr. Ivar van der Velde (I.R.van.der.Velde@sron.nl)
- Prof. dr. Ilse Aben (E.A.A.Aben@sron.nl)
Last Date to Apply
The due date for the first selection of applications is September 1st, 2026. After this date, the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
