PhD position in Data-driven monitoring of CO2 and NOx emissions from space

Vor 4 Tagen

Dübendorf, Zürich, Schweiz Empa Vollzeit CHF 55'000 - CHF 60'000 pro Jahr

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

We are offering an exciting PhD position at Empa's Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology, in collaboration with the University of Zurich and Wageningen University & Research. The four-year STEPS project focusses on developing data-driven and machine learning methods to monitor CO2 and NOx emissions using the upcoming satellite missions (e.g., CO2M, TANGO, Sentinel-4/5).

Your research will contribute directly to monitoring global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero targets.

Your tasks

  • Simulate emission plumes from point sources using the MicroHH atmospheric model.
  • Analysis of plume dynamics and NOx chemistry in the high-resolution simulations.
  • Develop and refine data-driven methods for emission quantification.
  • Apply your methods to real satellite data from missions like CO2M and TANGO.
  • Present your findings at international conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Complete a PhD thesis at the University of Zurich.

Your profile

  • Master's degree in Earth Sciences, Geography, Physics, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, or a related field.
  • Passion for atmospheric remote sensing, chemical transport modelling, and data science.
  • Solid programming skills (ideally Python) and experience with data analysis.
  • Self-motivation and curiosity to learn and grow independently.
  • Strong communication skills in English; German is a plus.
  • Enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary and international team.

Our offer

  • A fully funded PhD position at Empa in Dübendorf near Zurich, with a starting salary of CHF 57,000/year
  • Collaboration with an internationally recognized research team with leading experts in remote sensing, atmospheric modelling, emission quantification, and machine-learning.
  • Integration into Empa's Atmospheric Modelling / Remote Sensing group with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure.
  • Supervision by PD Dr. Gerrit Kuhlmann, with joint affiliation to the Remote Sensing Laboratories at the University of Zurich. The PhD degree will be awarded by the University of Zurich.

Starting date is 1 April 2026 or upon mutual agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas with transcripts and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

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