Postdoc Observations of Aircraft Contrails to Evaluate and Improve Model Predictions

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Delft; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

TU Delft’s Operations and Environment section of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering seeks a postdoctoral researcher to merge contrail observations from multiple instruments and build datasets to improve prediction models.

You will work with Dr. Vincent Meijer, PhD candidates and MSc students, applying Python data analysis to atmospheric observations, remote sensing and modelling to advance contrail avoidance and climate impact reduction.

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related field.
• Strong programming and data-analysis skills, preferably in Python.
• Experience with atmospheric observations, remote sensing, and/or numerical modelling.
• Ability to work with large datasets from multiple sources.
• Understanding of uncertainty analysis and model evaluation.
• Ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
• Good collaboration and communication skills in English.
• Experience with contrails, cloud physics, or machine learning is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Combine observations from different instruments (ground-based imagery, LIDAR, satellite imagery) to construct contrail datasets.
• Contribute to evaluating and improving contrail prediction models.
• Publish scientific results and present work to the team.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

English communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in atmospheric science/remote sensing/ aerospace engineering or physics

Job description

Combine observations of contrails from different instruments to create the datasets that we can use to improve our models and reduce aviation's climate impact.

Job description

Contrails are a major contributor to aviation's climate impact: their impact can be mitigated by means of contrail avoidance - deviating aircraft around the regions of the atmosphere where contrails can persist for multiple hours. One of the current limitations to contrail avoidance is uncertainty in the models that we use to predict where contrails are going to persist and how much impact they will have. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to evaluating and improving contrail prediction models by creating high-quality datasets of contrail observations.

Specifically, you will combine observations from different instruments - such as ground-based imagery, LIDAR measurements, and satellite imagery - to construct datasets that modelers can use to evaluate and improve their predictions.

You will be based in the Operations and Environment section of TU Delft's faculty of Aerospace Engineering, and work closely with Dr. Vincent Meijer, PhD candidates and MSc students.

Job requirements

• A PhD in atmospheric science, remote sensing, aerospace engineering, physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong programming and data-analysis skills, preferably in Python.
• Experience with atmospheric observations, remote sensing, and/or numerical modelling.
• Ability to work with large datasets from multiple sources.
• Understanding of uncertainty analysis and model evlauation.
• Ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
• Good collobration and communication skills in English.
• Experience with contrails, cloud physics, or machine learning is an advantage.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Vincent Meijer at [e-mail].