Job description
Are you an early-career scientist driven by curiosity and a passion for discovery? Are you interested in biodiversity monitoring and excited about processing and analysing multi-source Earth Observation data? Are you excited to contribute to the energy transition to achieve carbon neutrality?
Join us in applying Earth Observation and spatial science to advance biodiversity monitoring and to understand better the impacts of the renewable energy transition on ecosystems.
Monitoring ecosystem functioning and structure is essential for understanding biodiversity change and assessing the impacts of the renewable energy transition on ecological processes. However, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding how these transitions affect biodiversity through changes in ecosystem structure and functioning. In this role, you will apply innovative Earth Observation technologies and conduct innovative research to investigate these impacts. In addition, you will integrate input from various partners through the monitoring and assessment to better support the biodiversity-positive renewable energy transition.
You will work with Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) related to ecosystem functioning and structure, analysing their responses to different renewable energy transitions and the anthropogenic pressures, such as land-use change. Your research will contribute to a better understanding of how renewable energy transitions and anthropogenic activities influence vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity dynamics.
Your profile
- A recent PhD (or in the process of finishing one) in one or more of the following fields: Earth Observation, Geospatial Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources and Ecology, or a related field.
- Good analytical and programming skills (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Skills in applying various remote sensing data sources, particularly hyperspectral and thermal infrared remote sensing data.
- A strong motivation for doing research and an affinity with working in interdisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
- A standout colleague
- Consistent track record of publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles in leading remote sensing and Earth observation journals.
The following competencies are a plus:
- Familiarity with different models suitable for predicting EBVs and ECVs
- Capable of effective communication with project partners and collaborators
- Having a driving license
- Good communication and writing skills in Dutch.
Our offer
- An inspiring multidisciplinary, international and academic environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues, where internationalisation is an important part of the strategic agenda.
- Full-time position for two years
- Gross monthly salary between € 4,075.00 and € 5,538.00 per month, depending on experience and qualifications (UFO profile Researcher 4)
- A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
- Assistance in applying for the 30% ruling (a possible tax deduction for foreigners)
- Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
- A solid pension scheme
- A total of 41 holiday days per year in the case of full-time employment
- Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
Information and application
For more information, you may contact Dr Elnaz Neinavaz (email: [email protected]). You are also invited to visit our homepage.
For questions about working and living in the Netherlands, please consult the official website of the Netherlands Government or the website of the Expat Centre East Netherlands.
Please submit your application before June 15, 2026, including:
- A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply, including a short description of your PhD thesis (max 250 words)
- A Curriculum Vitae (including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and the names and contact information of at least two references (including your PhD supervisor)
- A copy of your MSc and PhD diplomas and transcripts. If you are in the final stage, a letter from your PhD supervisor stating that the PhD is near completion is also sufficient.
Interviews will be held in the last week of June 2026. The position will most likely start no later than September 2026.
About the department
Natural resources (LIFE) are crucial to maintaining the well-being of societies. Sustainable management of these natural resources balances the needs of people and the environment. It avoids the depletion, degradation, and destruction of ecosystems, prevents biodiversity loss and soil erosion, and mitigates the impacts of climate change.
Our research, education, and partnerships empower society to effectively use insights from geo-information and Earth observation technologies for sustainable management of the environment. The outcome is an increased understanding of the processes that affect the availability, stability, quality, and sustainability of natural resources, enabling their preservation, sustainable use, development, or restoration.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation. Our mission is capacity development, where we apply, share and facilitate the effective use of geo-information and earth observation knowledge and tools for tackling global wicked problems. Our purpose is to enable our many partners around the world to track and trace the impact – and the shifting causes and frontiers – of today’s global challenges. Our vision is of a world in which researchers, educators, and students collaborate across disciplinary and geographic divides with governmental and non-governmental organisations, institutes, businesses, and local populations to surmount today’s complex global challenges and to contribute to sustainable, fair, and digital societies.
