Post-doc position atmospheric scientist

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. Intrigued? Read on!

About the Role

As an atmospheric scientist, you will conduct research on atmospheric processes, focusing on the development and application of models to improve weather and climate predictions. You will work within a multidisciplinary 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), and 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute scientific experiments related to atmospheric dynamics and composition.
• Develop, implement, and validate numerical models for weather and climate applications.
• Analyze observational and model data to advance understanding of atmospheric processes.
• Compare CAMS daily forecasts and reanalyses with a wide range of observational data, including surface, remote sensing, aircraft, and satellite measurements.
• Assist in coordinating EQC activities and support the interpretation and presentation of results for CAMS users.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with national and international partners on joint research projects.

Who are you

You are driven by scientific curiosity, as demonstrated by the successful completion of your PhD research. 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 we ask

• Doctoral (PhD) level in atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• 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.

What we offer

• A stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and data.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training courses, certifications, and career coaching.
• Collaboration with leading scientists and a supportive, inclusive team culture.
• Individual choice budget (IKB) consisting of vacation pay (8%) and an annual end-of-year bonus (16.37% of gross annual salary), which can be used flexibly.
• Company fitness and full reimbursement of commuting expenses.

About Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut (KNMI)

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, KNMI is committed to 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! KNMI is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, which is dedicated to a safe, accessible, and livable Netherlands.

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 satellite, surface remote sensing, balloon, and aircraft observations. Its main research objectives are climate research, air quality, and stratospheric ozone. The department covers the full range from collecting user requirements, developing instrument concepts, generating satellite products, to conducting atmospheric research using satellite data. RDSW fosters a positive and approachable working atmosphere, with a diverse and collegial team.

If you have additional questions, 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