This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on the development and monitoring of soil erosion indicators using advanced remote sensing techniques. Hosted within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Division of Geography and Tourism has a longstanding reputation in soil erosion research, including the quantification and modelling of erosion and sediment fluxes at various spatial scales. The research is embedded in the EUROSION project, a large European Union-funded initiative that unites scientists from 24 institutes across 12 countries to create a dynamic monitoring system for soil erosion at the European scale.

The successful candidate will develop indicators to monitor soil erosion at high temporal and spatial resolution, particularly at the field parcel scale. This involves assessing the sensitivity of vegetation cover to erosion processes and characterizing field boundaries that influence connectivity along runoff and sediment delivery pathways. The project leverages multi-temporal satellite data, combining optical and radar remote sensing Copernicus products, and integrates field-based data from multiple monitoring sites across Europe for calibration and validation. The resulting indicators will inform trends in landscape sensitivity to erosion and serve as input parameters for dynamic, process-based soil erosion models, including modelling of erosion by water, wind, and tillage.

Applicants should hold (or be near completion of) a Master’s degree in Geography, Earth Sciences, Bioscience Engineering, Soil Science, Agricultural Sciences, Remote Sensing, or a related field. Demonstrable experience in soil erosion research and remote sensing is essential, with additional assets including spatial analysis of large-scale datasets, spatial modelling of earth surface processes, proficiency in GIS, and Python scripting. Candidates must be proactive, independent, possess strong communication skills, and have excellent English proficiency. Motivation, ambition, and a result-oriented approach are highly valued.

The position offers a full-time doctoral scholarship for four years, providing a stimulating research environment in Leuven, Belgium—a vibrant university town with access to major European cities. The candidate will collaborate with international partners and contribute to teaching activities (up to 4 hours per week) and co-supervision of bachelor and master thesis students. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering a respectful and socially safe academic environment.

To apply, candidates should submit a detailed CV, grades from bachelor and master courses, a motivation letter, links and short descriptions of three relevant international papers, and contact details of two referees. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Gert Verstraeten at [email protected]. The application deadline is March 16, 2026.