Postdoctoral Researcher "Biodiversity- Renewable Energy Transitions

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.

• 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.

• 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.