Postdoc in Atmospheric Chemistry, Aerosol Science and Air Quality Monitoring

Conduct advanced research into atmospheric chemistry and air quality by deploying innovative measurement techniques for the atmosphere, including low-cost air quality sensors and miniature instruments.

Job description

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges worldwide. To understand the sources, transformation and transport of atmospheric pollutants, a combination of advanced observations, innovative instrumentation and data analysis is required. Recent developments in miniature atmospheric instruments, low-cost air quality monitoring technologies and drone-based measurement platforms are creating new opportunities to study the composition of the atmosphere at unprecedented spatial, temporal and vertical scales.

In this position, you will contribute to research into atmospheric chemistry, aerosol science and air quality monitoring. You will use atmospheric instruments and low-cost air quality sensors to monitor particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in urban environments.

You will play a leading role in designing and conducting field measurement campaigns, including upcoming drone-based air quality observation campaigns. Your responsibilities will include operating atmospheric instrumentation, ensuring data quality and analyzing large observational datasets. This role involves combining practical, hands-on instrumentation with data-driven scientific analysis to improve our understanding of atmospheric processes and air pollution dynamics.

A key aspect of the role involves disseminating research through high-quality, peer-reviewed publications. You will be expected to contribute to scientific writing, supervise junior researchers where appropriate and present research findings at national and international conferences.

You will join a collaborative, internationally recognized research group specializing in atmospheric science. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative research and participate in collaborations with academic partners.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in atmospheric measurements and data analysis. You will have:

• A PhD in atmospheric science, atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, aerosol science, physics, environmental engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in atmospheric chemistry, aerosol science or air quality research.
• Experience with atmospheric instrumentation, including miniature atmospheric instruments and/or low-cost air quality sensors.
• Experience in planning and conducting field measurements and atmospheric monitoring campaigns.
• Willingness to participate in intensive fieldwork, including upcoming drone-based air quality measurement campaigns.
• Strong skills in analyzing large atmospheric datasets using programming languages such as Python, MATLAB or R.
• Experience with atmospheric data processing, quality assurance and statistical analysis.
• A strong publication record of peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Excellent scientific writing skills and experience in preparing manuscripts for publication in international journals.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Experience with drone-based atmospheric measurements, sensor calibration and validation, or instrument development would be advantageous.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year. Temporary.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.