PhD Research on Particulate Air Quality

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.

Requirements:

• 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.

Salary Benefits:

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

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