BIRA-IASB hires

PhD researcher (M/F/X)

Hereinafter, the masculine form is used to refer to all persons regardless of gender.

Language

English

Start date

Contractueel

BIRA-IASB is opening a PhD position for a 4-year study to join the UV-visible observation team. We are looking for a highly motivated student with an MSc in Applied Sciences, Physics or other relevant field to work in Atmospheric Sciences.

Deadline for applications : August 27 , 2026

Context

The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is a federal research organization. Since its creation in 1964, its main tasks are research and public service in the field of space aeronomy, which includes the study of the physics and chemistry of the atmospheres of the Earth and other planets, and of outer space. BIRA-IASB scientists supported by a team of engineers design and operate experiments to monitor atmospheres and the space environment. They have also developed a strong know-how in the exploitation of measurements and their geophysical interpretation using theoretical and numerical models.

The position is open in the UV-visible observation team. The UV-Vis group, a research team of 16 persons, has over 30 years of experience in atmospheric composition measurements from ground-based, airborne and satellite platforms. This includes instrument design, algorithm development, data processing and geophysical interpretation in support of air quality and climate change monitoring. The study implies cooperation with various national and international partners.

Required criteria

  • MSc degree in a relevant field for this project (e.g. Computer Science, Applied Sciences, Physics, Chemistry)
  • Knowledge of scientific programming languages and data visualization tools (see below)
  • A critical and organized sense for data analysis
  • Good communication skills, including a good command of English (both spoken and written)
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Flexibility and ability to travel occasionally
  • Previous research experience in the field of remote sensing of atmospheric composition is an asset

Technical skills

  • Knowledge with numerical analysis and statistical methods
  • Good programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab, notions of object-oriented programming)
  • Knowledge of communication protocols (e.g. serial)
  • Knowledge of scientific data formats (netCDF, geoTiff, …)
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications
  • Knowledge of French or Dutch

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

This post is to be filled in connection with ground-based observations carried out using the multi-axis DOAS technique (MAX-DOAS) as part of the International Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Changes (NDACC) and the European research infrastructure ACTRIS.

MAX-DOAS is a remote sensing technique dedicated to the monitoring of key air pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde (HCHO) and aerosols. Instruments are deployed at various observation sites around the world and serve as a reference for validating satellite measurements of atmospheric composition. Recently, BIRA-IASB has acquired hardware for the development of reference MAX-DOAS instrument, that will serve as calibration standard within the ACTRIS Research Infrastructure.

With the support of the institute’s mechanical and electronics workshops, the PhD student will be responsible for developing, testing and assembling the instrument – both the hardware and the software – carrying out calibrations in the laboratory, and fine-tuning features to enable automated measurements in different observation modes.

The PhD candidate will also develop new aspects of the data retrieval, among others for the exploitation of night-time measurements using the moon as a light source. Observations will be performed locally in Uccle, but also during observational campaigns at locations to be determined during the PhD. This work will be carried out in an international context, which will involve travelling abroad and disseminating the results in scientific publications and through regular presentations at conferences and workshops conducted in English.

We offer

The position is on a contractual basis and fixed for 4 years (initially for 2 years, 2 last years after mid-term review). The selected candidate will be recruited under a fellowship status. The position is remunerated with a salary, not a scholarship (grant). While the candidate does not have all the rights of a standard employee, but the fellowship allows progression (e.g., from SW10 to SW11 after 2 years).

  • Possibility of training (to be followed during working hours)
  • Pleasant working atmosphere in a scientific environment located in a green setting in Uccle, Brussels.
  • Attractive annual leave policy (minimum 26 days per year)
  • Options to balance professional and personal life (flexible schedule) within the 38 hours week
  • Full refund of commuting expenses when using public transportation, compensation when using the bicycle
  • Possibility to work from home
  • Dynamic working environment with strong international orientation

Type of contract and salary scale:

You will be employed on a fixed-term contract, in Activity Group I ‘Scientific Research and Experimental Development’ with the corresponding salary scale SW1.
All relevant professional experience (public and private sector) will be taken into account in determining
seniority.

The selected candidate will be appointed

  • in salary scale SW10 or SW11 (SW11 if at least 2 years of recognized scientific seniority) if he has a master's degree;
  • in salary scale SW11 if he has a doctoral degree.

Minimum remuneration (gross yearly amounts, at current index, regulatory allowances not included):

  • SW10 (0 years of seniority): 46.436€ per year (3870€ per month)
  • SW11 (0 years of seniority): 54 925 € per year (4577 € per month))
  • SW11 (2 years of seniority): 57 357 € per year (4779 € per month)

Additional advantages

  • Opportunity to obtain a bilingual bonus (French/Dutch) or training (possibly taken during working hours).
  • Pleasant and dynamic working atmosphere in a scientific environment located in green surroundings.
  • Opportunity to establish international contacts.
  • Free travel to and from work by public transport and/or the possibility of a bicycle allowance.
  • Attractive holiday scheme (minimum 26 days per year) and various possibilities to combine private and work life.
  • Flexible working hours of 38 hours per week and/or the possibility of teleworking.
  • Access to various socio-cultural benefits: museum card, hospital insurance, discounts via the Fed+ card, etc.
  • Meal vouchers
  • Childcare available during the long school holidays (July - August).
  • Dynamic work environment with a strong international focus

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?

Please send your motivation letter and CV to hr-select (at) aeronomie (dot) be and in cc to alexis (dot) merlaud (at) aeronomie (dot) be and michel (dot) vanroozendael (at) aeronomie (dot) be with reference: "D31_ PhD".

Deadline for applications : August 27 , 2026

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Your application file should include the following:

  • your CV (we recommend using the model (.docx) available here
  • a motivation letter
  • a copy of the required diploma(s) with all attachments. If one or more of these diplomas are not in French, Dutch, German or English, a translation in French or Dutch of the diploma(s) in question must also be attached.
  • any other document proving your relevant experience


Further information:

Deadline for applications

More about BIRA-IASB

The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is a Belgian Federal Scientific Institute.