At KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) we are looking for a satellite lidar scientist. In this position you will be responsible for co-creating algorithms for the processing of satellite lidar data, verification and validation of measurements, and the exploitation of such data in atmospheric science, operating within a broad international team. Do you want to be a satellite lidar scientist at an exceptional institute where science, novel technology and services come together? Then make this vacancy your new job and apply immediately.
How you contribute
To better understand and predict weather and climate, it is essential to obtain high-quality atmospheric measurements. Key variables include wind, cloud, aerosol, and radiation profiles. However, for each of these, a measurement system that simultaneously provides high accuracy, global coverage, and high temporal resolution is still lacking.
For this reason, KNMI has been involved for many years in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Explorer satellite missions Aeolus (launched in 2018), EarthCARE (launched in 2024), and the EUMETSAT Polar System EPS-Aeolus mission (to be launched in 2034). These satellites carry active observing systems (e.g. lidars and radars) which provide true profile measurements. To get the most information out of such sensors, existing measurement and processing techniques must be improved and novel approaches developed.
KNMI contributes through the development of satellite data processing algorithms and software, instrument simulation, calibration, validation of measurements, and reprocessing of historical datasets, in collaboration with European and Canadian partners. KNMI also leads the EarthCARE-DISC project, responsible for ensuring the data quality of all EarthCARE instruments. As such, tasks and priorities are defined and planned through regular discussions with ESA, EUMETSAT and international partners.
Your activities
In this role, you will:
- take responsibility for the Aeolus ALADIN surface return retrieval algorithm and contribute to the wind processing algorithms
- contribute to and progressively take ownership of the evolution and design of EarthCARE ATLID processors
- support the design of future retrieval algorithms through 3D (Monte Carlo) radiative transfer simulations for EPS Aeolus
- KNMI is offering a five-year postdoctoral position to contribute to these activities in the Satellite Observations R&D department. The position provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with international specialists in both active and passive satellite remote sensing. Further background information may be obtained via:
- www.knmi.nl/research/satellite-observations/projects/aeolus-orbital-doppler-wind-lidar
- earth.esa.int/eogateway/activities/aeolus-disc
- www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Aeolus
- www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/EarthCARE
Your team
The active remote sensing team consists of approximately 15 scientists. 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 utilizing the observations of satellites as well as surface remote sensing, balloon, and aircraft observations. This is done in an international setting.
The main research activities of RDSW are on weather and climate research, air quality, stratospheric ozone and 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 nationalities also contributes to a pleasant working environment within the department.
Like to know more?
For more information you may contact Gerd-Jan van Zadelhoff, senior scientist and EarthCARE-DISC project manager at KNMI, at +31 6 55 45 75 24 or via email at
[email protected] . You may also reach Ad Stoffelen, group leader and Aeolus project manager at KNMI, at
[email protected] or by phone at +31 6 22 40 98 13.
l: 00 31 6 5545 7524
