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Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

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PhD in Reading Ecosystems from Space: Hyperspectral Earth Observation for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Fully funded PhD position. Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable by 3 years after positive go/no-go evaluation, for a total of 4 years at 1.0 fte; 0.8 fte is possible for 5 years. Salary indicated at €3,204–€4,051 gross per month for full-time, plus vacation allowance, year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance, and pension accrual.

Deadline

Oct 20, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)

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Keywords

Computer Science
Data Science
Ecology
Environmental Science
Biology
Remote Sensing
Geography
Biodiversity
Earth Science
Field Experimentation

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About this position

PhD opportunity in Environmental Science, Ecology, and Remote Sensing at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in collaboration with Utrecht University.

The project, Reading Ecosystems from Space: Hyperspectral earth observation for understanding impacts of nitrogen deposition on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, is part of the newly funded NWO ASCENT consortium. The PhD candidate will work on interdisciplinary research combining ecology, remote sensing, data science, and modelling to quantify how nitrogen deposition affects biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in grasslands and forests.

Research focus: You will measure Essential Biodiversity Variables such as plant traits and ecosystem functions in long-term field experiments in grasslands (NutNet), forest landscape gradients (Veluwe), and the Beta-For experiment in Germany. These ecological measurements will be linked to airborne and satellite hyperspectral data to assess how Earth Observation can be used to monitor ecosystem processes across scales.

Training and environment: The position is based primarily at the Terrestrial Ecology department of NIOO-KNAW, with collaboration at Utrecht University’s Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. You will join a collaborative consortium with remote sensers, ecologists, data scientists, and modellers, and will be expected to publish a PhD thesis and peer-reviewed papers and present at meetings and conferences.

Eligibility highlights: Applicants should have an MSc in ecology or environmental sciences, experience in ecological field or laboratory work and remote sensing, strong English communication skills, and a driver’s license B. Experience with field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis is an advantage.

Funding and terms: This is a fully funded PhD position with an initial 1-year appointment, extendable to 4 years total after a positive evaluation. Salary is listed at €3,204–€4,051 gross per month for full-time work, plus standard Dutch employment benefits.

Deadline: 20 October 2026. The preferred starting date is 15 January 2027.

Funding details

Fully funded PhD position. Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable by 3 years after positive go/no-go evaluation, for a total of 4 years at 1.0 fte; 0.8 fte is possible for 5 years. Salary indicated at €3,204–€4,051 gross per month for full-time, plus vacation allowance, year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance, and pension accrual.

What's required

MSc degree in ecology or environmental sciences; experience in ecological laboratory or field work and remote sensing; strong learning mindset; ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary consortium; effective written and spoken English; strong affinity for writing and presenting results; driver’s license B. Experience leading field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis is an advantage.

How to apply

Apply via the AcademicTransfer vacancy page using the Apply now button. Submit your application before the deadline and follow the portal instructions on the job page.

More information can be found here

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