Space weather specialist

Space weather specialist bij het Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut

Do you want to help warn Dutch society about the adverse effects of severe space weather? Do you like working in a very international environment whilst at the same time interacting with Dutch ministries and critical infrastructure sectors? At KNMI we work at the science–policy interface, turning cutting-edge research into practical tools, policies, and guidance that make a real-world impact. Sounds interesting? We might have the perfect job for you!

What will you do?

KNMI provides the national space weather warning service for the Netherlands. The front office consists of a 24/7 monitoring service by trained meteorologists in the central weather room. You'll be part of the space weather back office team. The back office is in the R&D Satellite Observations department and is responsible for all non-operational activities for space weather, such as maintaining national and international collaborations, research, product development, knowledge management, end-user contacts with critical infrastructure sectors, science project acquisition, policy support and budget planning.

The back office has contacts with the major space weather services in Europe and the US, and we represent the Netherlands in various international bodies. Within the Netherlands we collaborate with various ministries and universities. As space weather is a broad subject, KNMI intends to focus its research activities on satellite observations of space weather in the Earth’s environment, in particular the Earth’s thermosphere-ionosphere and impact studies for vital infrastructure sectors. An important task will be the verification and validation of alerts and advisories issued by KNMI at the national level and the PECASUS consortium, one of the ICAO-designated centres serving international civil aviation.

Your activities

• Support the front office during severe space weather events.
• Verification and validation tasks for aviation.
• User consultation, training and end-users support.
• Further develop our general warning service (work instruction, software improvements, align with crisis coordination centres at ministries).
• Contribute to education and outreach activities for space weather.
• Contribute to scientific research related to space weather effects in the ionosphere and thermosphere.
• Software development in consultation with our architects and other stakeholders.

Your team

The space weather back office consists of a small team of scientists: 3 FTE, including yourself. We are part of the larger (~55 FTE) R&D Satellite Observations (RDSW) department which contributes to weather and climate research and monitoring of the Earth system by utilising the observations of satellites as well as surface remote sensing, balloon, and aircraft observations.

The main research activities of RDSW are on climate research, air quality, stratospheric ozone, and of course, space weather. 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 is characterized by a positive atmosphere. Colleagues like to have a cup of coffee or tea together and are very approachable. The mix of men and women of different ages and with diverse backgrounds also contributes to a pleasant working environment within the department.

Job requirements:

• PhD in physics or a related (relevant) field.
• Fluent in English and Dutch (or demonstrable Dutch language skills with willingness to further develop).
• Necessary computer skills (Python), preferably including experience in research software development and use of data science tools/cloud technologies.
• A good knowledge of space weather physics is considered an asset.

You have the following competences:

• Strong communicator/networker.
• Planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work in a small team with many diverse tasks.
• Team player in an agile environment.

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!

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 liveable 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.

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 € 4,024.11 and € 6,110.94. 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.

• This vacancy may close early if enough suitable candidates apply.
• Job interviews for selected candidates will take place on 28th of January.
• An (online) pre-selection test, an assessment, making a case and (online) screening via databases, among others, can be part of the application process.