Dit ga je doen

Are you fascinated by how atmospheric processes shape extreme rainfall and how these extremes evolve under climate change? Do you want to contribute to high impact scientific research while working in an international team? At KNMI, you will have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of hydroclimatic extremes and help society better prepare for future risks. For a 4 year research position, we are looking for a scientist climate change based in De Bilt. Do you want to work on cutting edge climate research with real world impact? Apply now.

How you contribute
You contribute to advancing scientific knowledge on extreme rainfall and climate change. Your work helps improve forecasting systems and strengthens society’s ability to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events.

You will work within the Extreme-Futures project, part of a Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowship led by Professor Fowler of Newcastle University. The project focuses on improving forecasts of hydroclimatic extremes such as flash floods and prolonged storms, supporting climate resilience and adaptation.

At KNMI, you will work with the Future Weather system, which simulates extreme events across past, present and future climate conditions using pseudo global warming approaches. You will explore how mesoscale atmospheric processes evolve with warming and how these changes affect rainfall patterns across different scales.

Your activities

design and perform experiments using the Future Weather system
extend modelling applications towards higher resolution simulations
tailor model setups to improve understanding of physical processes
analyse large scale and high resolution model output
write and publish scientific articles
collaborate with international researchers across the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands
contribute to integrating small scale process knowledge with large scale drivers of extremes

Your team
You will be part of an international research collaboration and work within the department research and development of weather and climate models.

The department focuses on developing and applying models for weather prediction, air quality and climate research. Topics include physical processes, data assimilation, long term projections and extreme event analysis. You will collaborate with scientists, developers and external partners such as universities and international research consortia.

Within the KNMI, you will work in a multidisciplinary environment with strong international connections and a clear link between research and operational applications.

Dit bieden we nog meer

At our organization, you’ll work on meaningful projects that make a real impact in the Netherlands. In a workplace that values your professional growth and recognizes your contributions. Our benefits reflect that commitment.

Core benefits that provide security:

144 hours of annual leave per year (based on a 36-hour work week)
full public transport reimbursement or a mileage allowance of € 0,07 or € 0,21 per km (conditions apply)
mobile phone and laptop
€ 750 budget for setting up your home workspace, plus a daily homeworking allowance of € 2,45
pension scheme through ABP

A supportive environment that encourages growth:

hybrid working options tailored to your role, in consultation with your manager
personal development opportunities, training and career coaching

Flexible benefits designed around your life:

Individual Choice Budget (IKB): use this budget (the amount is 16.5% of your salary) for options such as repaying student loans, purchasing a (electric) bike with accessories, company fitness, making your home more sustainable, or other tax-friendly purposes
flexible leave arrangements, including care leave, parental leave, adoption leave, and foster care leave
our program provides support for visas and related matters, and language training (it does not include accommodation)

You can find the full Dutch government collective labor agreement (CAO Rijk) here.

Dit vragen wij

a completed PhD in meteorology, environmental sciences, computer science or a related field
experience with climate or weather models, preferably high resolution regional models
knowledge of atmospheric mesoscale dynamics, convection and rainfall processes or strong motivation to develop this expertise
experience with Fortran, Linux and Python
experience analysing large datasets
excellent command of English, both written and spoken, and preferably some understanding of Dutch

You'll bring the following competencies:

You work with scientific integrity and persistence.
You think creatively and develop new solutions.
You actively share knowledge and seek feedback.
You are results oriented and able to manage your work effectively.
You have a critical mindset and a proactive attitude.

Hier kom je te werken

Over Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut

The weather is unpredictable, the ground moves, and the climate is changing. To ensure our safety and prosperity, we need to understand the risks and opportunities this presents and how best to prepare. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) provides that knowledge. As the national center of expertise and data for weather, climate, and seismology, KNMI is reliable, independent, and focused on what the Netherlands needs: a safe society that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate change, and seismic activity.

Driven by our core values - Development, Collaboration, and Relevance - we pursue our ambitions both within and beyond KNMI, nationally and internationally. We continuously develop our knowledge and skills, and work together as one KNMI to make a meaningful difference for society.

Talent as our foundation, diversity as our strength
KNMI is an inclusive organization. One that creates space for everyone and leverages the diversity of its people to achieve better results for the Netherlands. Being inclusive means that everyone feels engaged and valued: not in spite of, but because of our differences.

KNMI is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is committed to a safe, accessible, and liveable Netherlands. It works to ensure strong connections via road, rail, waterways, and air. IenW also protects against flooding, monitors the quality of our air, water, and soil, and contributes to the transition toward a circular economy.

Bijzonderheden

The selection interviews will take place on May 12 and 13 at our KNMI office in De Bilt.
Your official workplace is De Bilt.
At the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), we actively encourage hybrid working. In consultation with your manager and colleagues, you can work from home or at the office, depending on the nature of your role.
If we receive sufficient suitable applications, the vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline.
An (online) pre-selection test or assessment may be part of the recruitment process. Completing a case assignment and undergoing (online) screening, such as through databases, may also be included. Reference checks may be conducted as well.
If you have questions about the application process, feel free to contact our Recruitment Advisor or visit our website for more information.

We do not respond to acquisition in response to this vacancy.

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Scientist climate change