Physicist, astronomer, meteorologist or similar (f/m/x)
The Remote Sensing Technology Institute (IMF) at DLR has a leading role in the development of algorithms for the accurate calibration and retrieval of trace gases and other atmospheric parameters from passive and active spaceborne sensors. Currently DLR develops two missions for the detection of greenhouse gases: The passive CO2Image (see e.g., CO2Image at dlr.de) mission and MERLIN (see e.g., MERLIN at dlr.de) a mission that for the first time measures CH4 from space with the Lidar technique. IMF is tasked with developing calibration and retrieval algorithms and implementing them in operational processors for both missions. The launch of the corresponding missions is planned for the coming years from 2026 onwards. During the missions regular updates of the algorithms and the monitoring of instrument and data quality are planned.
. Apart from these future missions we also work on the harmonization of calibrated data from heritage instruments and flying missions (GOME-1/2, SCIAMACHY) to build complete time series within the ESA FDR4ATMOS project. The harmonized data can be used, for example, for instrument-independent trend analyses covering several decades.
The work is carried out in close cooperation with national and international partners. We offer an excellent work environment and provide the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists in the field of satellite-based atmospheric remote sensing.
We are interested in highly motivated people who deliver high quality work. The holder of the post is encouraged to present scientific results at international conferences and publish in scientific journals.
The holder of the position will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Development and refinement of novel scientific algorithms for the calibration of atmospheric remote sensing data from atmospheric sensors:
- Scientific literature review of existing retrieval methods
- Analyses of existing retrieval methods in relation to the project’s requirements
- Design and use of new calibration algorithms for the MERLIN and CO2Image sensors
- Development of algorithms for cross-instrument long time series of harmonised radiances or reflectances from existing missions
- Development of algorithms for the derivation of atmospheric parameters and their application, also with regard to the influence of instrument calibration
- Coordination with other research institutes for further algorithm development
- Documentation of the theoretical basis of the developed algorithms (according to specified standards)
- Integration of the algorithms in pre-operational software and operational processors:
- Analysis of the interfaces
- Coordination and definition of remaining interface parameters
- Coordination of the algorithm integration in the operational environment
- Design, preparation and execution of system tests
- Design of system tests and the required test environment
- Coordination and execution of test runs
- Participation in the verification and validation of the algorithms
- Documentation of the test results
- Publication of the results in a peer-reviewed journal
- Presentation of the results in project meetings and at international conferences
- University degree in physics, astronomy, meteorology or a related scientific field with knowledge of space technology
- PhD in physics (or related scientific field), or equivalent experience
- very good knowledge in the calibration of UV/VIS/IR optical sensors
- good knowledge in the retrieval of trace gas concentrations exploiting spectrally resolved remote sensing data (e.g. spaceborne or airborne)
- good knowledge in radiative transfer for the Earth's atmosphere
- good knowledge in methods of numerical mathematics
- programming experience in Python in a Linux/Unix environment
- fluent speaker and writer of the English language
- Several years of experience in the development of calibration algorithms for optical sensors including correction of electronic effects with special emphasis on the IR wavelength range are an advantage
- ideally several years of experience in the development of radiative transfer algorithms
- very good knowledge in the development and verification of remotely sensed data is an advantage
- ideally demonstrated experience with programming languages C/C++ on Linux/Unix workstations
Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalleled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Our human resources policy places great value on a healthy family and work-life-balance as well as equal opportunities for persons of all genders (f/m/x).Individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the event their qualifications are equivalent to those of other candidates.
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