BIRA-IASB hires
Aspiring PhD Candidate (F/M/X)
Language
English
Start date
The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy is hiring an aspiring PhD candidate to contribute to leading research on air quality and its evolution across Europe and beyond, within the Atmospheric Reactive Gasses division.
Fixed-term full-time contract of 2 + 2 years.
Deadline for applications : 15th of September 2026
Context
In the scientific division of Atmospheric Reactive Gases, the Atmospheric Data Synergies team (D32) has developed a distinctive expertise in the metrology, geophysical validation and integrated interpretation of space-, balloon- and ground-based network measurements of atmospheric composition in the Earth’s lower and middle atmosphere. The team has developed a hierarchy of advanced data processing and analysis tools to carry out scientific research, provide services and contribute to environmental assessments addressing air quality, tropospheric ozone and its precursors, stratospheric ozone and water vapour trends, and other essential climate variables. For a glimpse of recent activities please consult e.g. this article for air quality, this project website for tropospheric ozone, and this report for stratospheric ozone.
Required criteria
- The candidate holds a Master’s degree in Sciences or Applied Sciences (Civil Engineering) delivered by a Belgian university or recognised as equivalent, with a strong background in chemistry and physics.
- If the required diploma is not written in French, Dutch, German or English, its translation in French or Dutch must also be provided.
Technical and generic skills
- Strong motivation, scientific curiosity, initiative, scientific rigor, integrity, autonomy, team spirit.
- Creative, pragmatic problem-solving approach, with a good sense of organization and respect for deadlines.
- Interest in data analysis and computing; air quality sciences, societal impacts and policies; space research.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, proficiency in English (oral and written), ability to work in a multilingual and international environment, ability to travel occasionally.
Assets
- Experience in relevant disciplines, e.g., atmospheric and space sciences, environmental policy, remote sensing.
- Knowledge of programming languages and software libraries (e.g., Python, Matlab, LaTeX, NetCDF).
- Experience with statistical and geospatial data analysis (e.g., GIS, classification, data-driven modelling).
- Knowledge of Dutch or French.
Would you like to apply but your diploma is not in French or Dutch?
We invite you to contact the HR department: hr-select(at)aeronomie(dot)be to find out whether you need to take a language test article 7 - level 1/A. The selection commission is responsible for the verification of the diploma.
If it appears that a language test must be taken, you can register by clicking on "Inschrijven op taaltesten (werken voor .be)".
In such case, passing the language certificate is a prerequisite for selection. Therefore it is recommended to register for the language test as soon as possible.
Objectives of the function – responsibilities
We seek a PhD candidate to contribute to leading research on air quality and its evolution across Europe and beyond, across a range of spatial and temporal scales. The candidate will develop and apply innovative data analysis methods to derive robust observational estimates combining data from the Copernicus Sentinel-4 and Sentinel-5(P) and other satellites, with measurements from monitoring networks and with information on key drivers of air quality such as meteorology, land use, and socio-economic variables. Specific attention will be given to the synergies between these complementary data sets to better understand the factors driving the observed trends and patterns in pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulate matter. Through participation in research projects and in environmental assessments, the candidate will contribute to scientific advances, operational capacity and evidence-based environmental policy.
The selected candidate will have to: (i) develop methodologies, data processing chains and visualisation tools for the integration and interpretation of multi-platform atmospheric composition measurements, (ii) analyse and interpret multi-platform data records of reactive nitrogen species, ozone and aerosols, (iii) translate scientific results into actionable information for stakeholders and policy makers, (iv) present the results in project meetings, workshops and international congresses, (v) conduct the writing of reports and research articles in peer-reviewed journals, and (vi) write and defend the PhD thesis. Work will be carried out within the D32 team in collaboration with national and international partners.
We offer
- The selected candidate will be recruited on contractual basis under PhD fellowship status for a total of 4 full-time years (initially for 2 years, plus 2 last years after positive mid-term review).
- The position is remunerated with a salary, not a scholarship (grant). PhD fellowship status does not offer full federal employee rights, but it allows pecuniary progression (e.g., from SW10 to SW11 after 2 years).
- Dynamic, cutting-edge research work environment; national and international networking.
- Pleasant workplace in a scientific institution located in a quiet, green setting in Uccle (Brussels), with easy access via public transportation.
- Refund of commuting expenses when using public transportation or bicycle.
- 38 hours/week, flexible schedule, possibility to telework occasionally.
- Attractive annual leave policy (minimum 26 days per year plus end-of-year week).
- Possibility of training (scientific, technical or linguistic) that may be followed during working hours.
Selections procedure
Notification
You will receive a notification containing the result of your application, after each stage of the selection procedure.
If you are unsuccessful at a particular stage, the procedure will be ended and you will not be invited to any subsequent stages of the same selection.
At the end of the selection process, a group of successful candidates, who are not ranked among them, will be formed. This group consists of the candidates who have been found most suitable for the vacant position according to the conditions of
participation. The list of successful candidates remains valid during 18 months.
For further information, please read the selection procedure.
Recruitment requirements
If you have passed this selection, you can be recruited only if you meet all following conditions on the
appointment date:
- enjoy civil and political rights,
- comply with the conscription laws
- have a conduct consistent with the requirements of the intended job
- be holder of the required diploma(s)
- meet the special skills and requirements set out in the job profile
Interested?
Send your CV, motivation letter, a copy of your diploma(s) and, if possible, a couple of references (all in PDF-format), to j-c (dot) lambert (at) aeronomie (dot) be and to hr-select (at) aeronomie (dot) be with reference to “D32_LEGOCITIES”
Deadline for application : 15 September 2026
Further information:
Deadline for applications
More about BIRA-IASB
The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is a Belgian Federal Scientific Institute.