Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
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PhD in Reading Ecosystems from Space: Remote Sensing and Ecology Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Ecology
Funding
Fully funded PhD position for 4 years total (initial 1 year appointment, then 3-year extension after positive go/no-go evaluation). Full-time salary ranges from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month depending on education and experience, plus vacation allowance, year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance, and pension accrual. 0.8 fte option extends duration to 5 years.
Deadline
Oct 18, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

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About this position
PhD candidate: Reading Ecosystems from Space at the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in the Netherlands.
This PhD sits in the ASCENT project and combines remote sensing, ecology, global change, and environmental science. The project focuses on quantifying biodiversity and ecosystem functioning responses to nitrogen deposition and restoration efforts using airborne and satellite hyperspectral Earth Observation data. You will work across grasslands and forests, including long-term field experiments (NutNet), landscape gradients in forests (Veluwe), and the Beta-For experiment in Germany.
The role is interdisciplinary and involves collaboration with remote sensers, ecologists, data scientists, and modellers. Main tasks include measuring Essential Biodiversity Variables such as plant traits and ecosystem functions, linking ecological measurements to hyperspectral EO data, and using these data to understand how ecosystem functioning changes under global pressures and management interventions. The project also includes publishing papers, writing a PhD thesis, and presenting at consortium meetings and international conferences.
Eligibility: MSc degree in ecology or environmental sciences; experience in ecological field/lab work and remote sensing; strong English communication; ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong writing/presentation skills; driver’s license B. Experience with field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis is a plus.
Funding: Fully funded PhD position for 4 years total, with an initial 1-year appointment and extension after a positive go/no-go evaluation. Salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month for full-time work, plus standard Dutch university/KNAW benefits. A 0.8 fte arrangement is possible, extending the duration to 5 years.
How to apply: Submit a CV and cover letter via the application portal before 18 October 2026. Include two professional referees in your CV. Email applications and late submissions will not be considered.
Contacts: Prof. Ciska Veen (NIOO-KNAW) and Dr. Benjamin Delory (Utrecht University).
Funding details
Fully funded PhD position for 4 years total (initial 1 year appointment, then 3-year extension after positive go/no-go evaluation). Full-time salary ranges from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month depending on education and experience, plus vacation allowance, year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance, and pension accrual. 0.8 fte option extends duration to 5 years.
What's required
Applicants should have an MSc degree in ecology or environmental sciences and experience in ecological laboratory or field work and remote sensing. Strong learning ability, independence, teamwork in an interdisciplinary consortium, effective communication, good written and spoken English, and a strong affinity for writing and presenting results are expected. A driver’s license B is required. First experience with leading field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis is an advantage.
How to apply
Prepare a CV and cover letter summarizing your motivation and experience. Include contact details of two professional referees in the CV. Submit the application through the submission portal before the deadline; email or late applications will not be considered.
More information can be found here
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