Post-doc position atmospheric scientist

Advance Climate and Atmospheric Composition Science at KNMI

Are you driven to advance climate and atmospheric composition science through innovative atmospheric composition modelling, in-situ observations and satellite data analysis?

At the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), we are at the cutting edge of global climate research. As a post-doc specialised in models and observations of atmospheric composition, you’ll join our R&D team in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Working with diverse measurement datasets provided by global networks, you’ll play a key role in improving the understanding of air pollutants, reactive gases like ozone, aerosols, as well as greenhouse gases, contributing to vital research that benefits science, policy and society.

You are driven by scientific curiosity, as demonstrated by the successful completion of your PhD research. At the same time, you are practical and methodical, capable of meeting deadlines and technically skilled in working with large modeling and observational datasets. You know how to balance the interests of various stakeholders, and you can convince and inspire others. You enjoy the challenge of writing scientific publications and detailed assessment reports. Tackling complex problems motivates you, and you thrive in collaboration with other scientists in an international setting.

What you will be doing

You will work in a dynamic and ambitious team of scientists studying air quality, atmospheric composition, and climate change at KNMI. You will contribute to the analysis and further development of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). You will be involved in two CAMS contracts focused on the Evaluation and Quality Control (EQC) of the CAMS Global and Regional (European) products, covering aerosols, reactive gases, greenhouse gases, and other aspects relevant to air quality.

Your work will involve comparing CAMS daily forecasts and reanalyses with a wide range of surface concentration and deposition observations, surface remote sensing sites, as well as aircraft and satellite measurements.

You won’t just be analysing data; you will collaborate closely with a large team of European scientists from more than 10 organisations and countries, as well as with the CAMS team at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). You will assist in coordinating EQC activities, support the interpretation of results, and contribute to improving the presentation of EQC outputs for the diverse community of CAMS users.

Through your EQC efforts, your work will help enhance the CAMS modelling and data assimilation system. In addition, you will initiate and contribute to scientific publications.

In this diverse role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on global atmospheric composition research, contributing to meaningful advancements that inform both science and society. You will be energized by working with a dynamic team of experts, using cutting-edge satellite and other observational data along with state-of-the-art modelling to address real-world environmental challenges.

Your work will not only deepen scientific understanding but also support critical decision-making that shapes the future of climate action. This position offers the chance to drive innovation and see the tangible impact of your research in addressing some of the most urgent environmental issues of our time.

Functie-eisen

Work and thinking level:

• doctoral (PhD) level

Knowledge and experience:

• a PhD in atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental sciences, or a related field is required
• experience with the evaluation and visualisation of modelling results against observations
• familiarity with Linux systems
• knowledge of Python or R
• fluency in English, both spoken and written, is necessary

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

Other terms of employment

Salary scale 11 is the salary scale for researchers that have completed their PhD. The actual income depends on the number of years of research experience and ranges between €4024,11 and €6110,94. The number of working hours per week is 36.

The KNMI offers a diverse set of growth and development opportunities. The central government attaches great importance to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. These include attending training courses and obtaining certifications. We also offer career coaching if you need it.

Interesting extras:

• In addition to your salary, you receive an individual choice budget (IKB) consisting of vacation pay of 8% and an annual end-of-year bonus. This IKB consists of money (16.37% of your gross annual salary) and/or time. With the IKB you make the choices that suit you and you can compose part of your terms of employment yourself. For example, you can have part of your monthly income paid out whenever you wish, convert the IKB into leave or spend it on tax-friendly objectives.
• Our other fringe benefits include company fitness and full reimbursement of your commuting expenses.

Bijzonderheden

If you have additional questions

We understand that you might want to learn more about this position. Feel free to contact dr. Henk Eskes or dr. Thanos Tsikerdekis, coordinators of the CAMS2_82_bis EQC contract, via e-mail: henk.eskes@knmi.nl or thanos.tsikerdekis@knmi.nl.

Specialties

• the deadline for applications is 6 July 2025
• the job interviews for selected candidates will be organized early July
• starting date: The position will be available per August 1, 2025 or a date in agreement with the candidate
• obtaining references can be part of the application process.
• an (online) pre-selection test, an assessment, making a case and (online) screening via databases, among others, can be part of the application process

Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut

Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI)

The weather is temperamental, the ground moves and the climate changes. For our safety and prosperity, we need to know what risks and opportunities this brings. And: how we can best prepare ourselves. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) is the national knowledge and data centre for weather, climate and seismology. Reliable, independent and focused on what the Netherlands needs. For a safe Netherlands that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate and earthquakes.

We use our core values - Development, Cooperation and Relevance - to achieve our ambition, both within and outside KNMI, nationally and internationally. We develop our knowledge and expertise and work together to create a single KNMI that makes a difference to society!

Talent as the basis, diversity as the strength: The KNMI is an inclusive organization. An organization that provides space for everyone and uses the strength of its diverse workforce to achieve better results together for the Netherlands. Inclusive means that everyone feels involved and valued; not despite their differences, but thanks to them.

The KNMI organisation is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management:

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is committed to a safe, accessible and livable Netherlands. That is why the Ministry is working on powerful connections by road, rail, water and air. And IenW protects against flooding, ensures the quality of air, water and soil and the realization of a circular economy.

R&D Satellite Observations

The R&D Satellite Observations (RDSW) department contributes to weather and climate research and monitoring of the Earth system by utilizing the observations of satellites as well as surface remote sensing, balloon, and aircraft observations. Its main research objectives are climate research, air quality and stratospheric ozone. The satellite activities of the department encompass the entire range from collecting user requirements, developing instrument concepts, generating the required satellite products, to atmospheric research using the satellite data.

RDSW breaths a positive atmosphere. Colleagues like to have a cup of coffee together and are very approachable. The mix of men and women of different ages and with diverse backgrounds also contributes to a pleasant working atmosphere within the department.