Postdoctoral researcher in regional atmospheric
chemistry modeling f/m
For 1,0 fte
Vacancy number: 1.2011.00300
Faculty
The Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences (FALW) offers a range of Bachelor and Master programmes. Research at the faculty focuses on the fields of the life sciences, health sciences, environmental sciences and earth sciences. World-class teaching and cutting-edge research activities go hand in hand. FALW works together with other faculties like medicine, exact sciences, economics, psychology and social sciences. The faculty's research facilities can be categorized as excellent. The faculty's international focus fosters cross-border collaboration, leading to substantially improved quality and greater impact of our research results.
This position is funded by a prestigious grant from the European Research Council aiming to better understand the role of deforestation in the global carbon cycle and Earth system. Within a young and dynamic research team that is very well imbedded in the international research community, you will explore how regional atmospheric chemistry modelling in combination with new bottom-up fire emissions estimates and new continuous measurements of trace gases can improve our understanding of deforestation - fire - atmospheric processes.
Tasks
- Set-up and run a regional atmospheric chemistry transport model (WRF-Chem) to better understand how fire emissions affect the atmosphere and to constrain bottom-up emissions estimates;
- install and maintain gas analyzers in tropical deforestation regions.
Requirements
- Hold a PhD in atmospheric sciences with a focus on atmospheric chemistry;
- have published at least 2 papers in ISI indexed international journals based on work done using a regional atmospheric chemistry transport model (preferable WRF-Chem);
- strong FORTRAN and Python/IDL/Matlab skills;
- experience in plume modeling and/or radiative transfer modelling;
- experience in merging model results with in-situ and remotely sensed data;
- English language proficiency;
- possess good social and communication skills.
Further particulars
The initial appointment will be for a period of 1 year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial
appointment, it can be extended for a total duration of 3 years. You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl like:
- remuneration of 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance;
- generous contribution (70%) commuting allowance based on public transport;
- discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
- a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.
Salary
The starting salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel, and depending on experience, range from a minimum of €2.977,- gross per month up to a maximum of €3.422,- gross per month (salary scale 10-5 to 10-9) based on a fulltime employment.
Information
For additional information please contact Guido van der Werf by email: guido.vander.werf@vu.nl.
Application
Applicants are requested to write a letter in which they describe their abilities and motivation, accompanied by a curriculum vitae and a print-out of classes attended and grades received during the MSc. Written applications should be sent before February 15, 2012 to: VU University Amsterdam, attn. Dr. Y.K.M. Kops, managing director, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam,
The Netherlands. It is also possible to apply by e-mail to: vacature.falw@vu.nl.
Any other correspondence in response to this advertisement will not be dealt with.
