Postdoc position @ RMI in the framework of RETROPOLLEN

Postdoc position @ RMI in the framework of RETROPOLLEN

For the RETROPOLLEN project, funded by BELSPO in the framework of BRAIN-BE 2.0 (Belgian Research Action through Interdisciplinary Networks), the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) offers a 4 year full timeposition.

Framework of the project:

Worldwide the burden of allergic respiratory diseases is increasing, enhanced by large-scale air pollution. Anthropogenic emissions affect both the allergens as the allergic subjects by increasing the immune reaction and by intensified biogenic emissions of allergic airborne pollen. In Europe, a quarter of the population suffers from pollinosis. While medical management of allergic rhinitis and asthma is feasible, aeroallergen avoidance is usually the most effective approach to reduce symptoms and pollinosis morbidity. Avoidance can be achieved only if the allergenic pollen exposure can be predicted and if the effects on public health are well understood. Forecasting the spatio-temporal distribution of allergic pollen, however, requires a modelling approach. The transport model SILAM will be applied, since it has recently been set up and designed to operate for Belgium.

The overall objective of RETROPOLLEN is to assess public health effects of birch and grass airborne pollen levels in relation to surface air pollution and climate change using up to four decades of historical observations. Ultimately, a robust forecast model for pollen levels and new insights for prevention measures against pollinosis in Belgium are aimed at which could lead to the development of a pollen app for Belgium including new insights in the critical allergy threshold of pollen levels in combination with unfavourable conditions of air pollution and meteorological conditions (allergy risk index). In short, the baseline of RETROPOLLEN is the use of historical observations carried out and made available by the project partners and datasets that are publicly accessible.

Specifically, the RMI will focus on reconstructing the modelling of airborne grass and birch pollen levels during the last four decades. Therefore, we need to understand the processes behind the changes observed among the years. The successful candidate will work with the chemical transport model SILAM.

Qualifications:

• in bio-science engineering.
• Good computer programming skills (fortran) and interest in scientific modelling.
• Experience with chemical transport models (CTM).
• Experience in remote sensing.
• A good knowledge of vegetation and land use properties are an asset.
• Experience in the processing of anthropogenic and/or biogenic emission sources to be included in a CTM is an asset.
• Ability to work in a multi-lingual environment with a good knowledge of English.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, the applicant must hold his/her PhD degree either in French or Dutch language.

Applications:

Consisting of a statement of interest accompanied by a full CV that includes detailed information on academic qualifications and scientific background must be sent to Andy.Delcloo@meteo.be with a copy to Kevin.Knockaert@meteo.be no later than January 15th 2020.

Further information:

• Dr. ir. Andy Delcloo (RMI) 02/373 05 96
  Koninklijk Meteorologisch Instituut
  Ringlaan 3
  1180 Ukkel