PhD Research on Particulate Air Quality

Are you interested in Air Quality? Are you looking to work with both models and observations of aerosol? Do you want your work to have societal relevance? Come join an exciting new collaboration between the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and TNO.

Jouw functie

TNO has developed the LOTOS-EUROS Air Quality model for simulating gaseous and aerosol pollutants. This model is evaluated with surface concentration measurements but measurement sites tend to be far apart. In this job, you will work on evaluating and improving LOTOS-EUROS with satellite measurements that provide a more integrated spatial picture. You will use the latest satellite measurements from new ESA and NASA missions like EarthCARE and PACE, that the Dutch science community is very much involved in. These missions are capable of measuring the vertical profile of aerosols, and contain information on particle sizes, shapes and chemical composition, representing a major leap in the knowledge that we obtain from spaceborne instruments.

Your work will be to modify the model so it can predict satellite measurements, run the LOTOS-EUROS model and make an in-depth comparison to actual satellite measurements as well as specific surface measurements. Based on that analysis, you will propose and implement improvements in LOTOS-EUROS to ultimately improve pollutant concentrations at the surface by using the satellite observations.

Your duties

• prepare the LOTOS-EUROS model for use with aerosol satellite measurements
• prepare satellite measurements for use with the LOTOS-EUROS model
• evaluate the model with satellite observations
• propose and implement modifications to the model
• Write and publish research papers
• Present your results at (international) conferences

Your workplace will be for 60% at TNO Utrecht, and for 40% and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. TNO will provide the LOTOS-EUROS model, and guidance on its use. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will provide expertise on the use of satellite observations and the optical modelling of aerosol.

Jouw profiel

• 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.

Wat bieden wij

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 € 2.872,00 and maximum € 3.670,00 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

Over ons

The person hired for this job will be an employee of the VU, but spend 60% of their time at TNO Utrecht.

TNO

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been developing knowledge and technology for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity, and we are driven to push boundaries. There is plenty of room and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who are like-minded, who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realise your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to the life of tomorrow.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive working environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring. It is precisely by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

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.

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.