Doctoral Candidate "Temporal integration for high-tech (remote) sensing of natural and built ecosystems" University of Twente in Netherlands

The University of Twente is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) on Temporal integration for high-tech (remote) sensing of natural and built ecosystems. The project is part of the ITEM (Infrastructure Twente for Ecosystem Monitoring) initiative and connects Earth system modelling, observational data, and GeoAI to study how environmental processes evolve across open water, agricultural, natural, and urban environments.

You will work with physics-based models, ground observations, airborne and space-based Earth observation imagery, and data from a spatially distributed sensor network. The research focuses on building an open and explainable, GeoAI-supported framework for temporal integration of Earth system models with observational data. Likely application areas include air quality, heat, and drought, studied across multiple land-cover types and scales.

The position is embedded in a multidisciplinary and international academic environment at the University of Twente, within a faculty that emphasizes geo-information science, earth observation, and solutions for major societal challenges. The project is linked to broader themes such as security of the living environment, agriculture, water and food, energy transition, circularity and sustainability, and health. It also aligns with faculty focus areas including Resource Security, GeoAI, Disaster Resilience, and Urban Futures.

The successful candidate will present research at meetings and conferences, publish in scientific outlets, and contribute to teaching related to the topic. Supervision and mentoring of MSc students may also be part of the role. The appointment is full-time for four years and includes a qualifier after 6–9 months.

Applicants should hold an MSc in mathematics, physics, climatology, physical geography, or a related field. The ideal profile includes experience in quantitative satellite earth observation, such as radiative transfer modelling, machine learning or deep learning, time-series analysis, or data assimilation, plus strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, or similar tools for geodata analysis. Good English communication skills, independent research ability, and a collaborative mindset are important.

The funding package includes a gross monthly salary of €3,059 in the first year, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, together with an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, and 41 holiday days per year. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Interviews are scheduled for the week of 14–18 September.

To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV with at least one reference contact, academic transcripts for BSc and MSc studies, a short description of your MSc thesis, and optionally technical writing and code samples.