Post-Doc in Atmospheric Science and Machine Learning SRON - Space Research Organization Netherlands in Netherlands

SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands is offering a Post-Doc in Atmospheric Science and Machine Learning in Leiden, The Netherlands, within its Earth Science Group (ESG). The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the newly funded COGNITO project, which aims to build the first global satellite-based system for detecting and quantifying carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from major urban areas and industrial facilities, with a special focus on the iron and steel sector.

The project combines TROPOMI satellite observations with advanced machine learning methods to identify CO plumes, create a global database of emission events from 2018 onward, and estimate source rates for cities and industrial facilities worldwide. The work sits at the intersection of atmospheric science, remote sensing, machine learning, atmospheric transport modelling, and climate policy, making it well suited to a candidate interested in satellite-based emission monitoring and data-driven environmental analysis.

As part of the ESG at SRON, you will join a team of around 40 scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students working on satellite observation interpretation, atmospheric modelling, data science, and future Earth observation missions. The group has experience in detecting methane super-emitters and quantifying emissions from industrial and urban sources, and the new project builds on that expertise to extend methods to carbon monoxide.

The postdoctoral work includes applying existing machine learning algorithms to detect CO plumes, assembling a global event catalogue, quantifying emissions from urban regions and steel production facilities, evaluating temporal variability and possible decarbonization signatures, assessing emission quantification tools with atmospheric transport modelling, and comparing satellite-derived estimates with bottom-up inventories and reporting systems. Results are expected to be published in leading scientific journals and presented at conferences and stakeholder meetings.

Applicants should hold a PhD in atmospheric sciences or a closely related field and have experience interpreting atmospheric observations such as satellite or aircraft data, together with machine learning applications. Strong programming and data analytics skills are required. Experience with atmospheric CO, transport modelling, or flux inversions is considered an advantage. Excellent written and spoken English is essential, and the successful candidate should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively.

The position is full-time for two years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Employment is via NWO-I, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes. The salary follows NWO salary scale 10 and can be up to €5,758 gross per month on a full-time basis, with additional benefits including an end-of-year bonus, holiday allowance, commuting compensation, pension, development opportunities, parental leave, training, and flexible working hours.

For more information about the role, applicants can contact Dr. Ivar van der Velde or Prof. dr. Ilse Aben by email. Applications must be submitted through the SRON recruitment website. The first selection date is 2026-09-01, and the vacancy remains open until filled.