PhD Position in Dryland Ecosystem Stability & Remote Sensing KU Leuven in Belgium

This fully funded PhD position at KU Leuven offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in dryland ecosystem stability and remote sensing. The successful candidate will join the Division Forest, Nature & Landscape, a renowned research group with expertise in landscape ecology, dryland systems, ecosystem resilience, and advanced Earth observation. The group has a strong presence in African drylands and collaborates with local universities, NGOs, and land management agencies.

The PhD is part of the international StableScapes project, which aims to develop a new framework for understanding woody vegetation stability, resilience, and collapse in dryland ecosystems. The project challenges traditional binary classifications of ecosystem states by integrating satellite data, drone imagery, and field observations across several African regions. The research will focus on mapping tree mortality and shrub encroachment, analyzing fire–drought interactions, and investigating how biodiversity and soil properties influence ecosystem resistance, recovery, and collapse.

As a PhD researcher, you will develop high-resolution remote sensing products, analyze environmental time series, and participate in international field campaigns. Your work will contribute to decision-support tools for conservation, restoration, and climate-smart land management. The position includes research stays at the University of Copenhagen and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, providing access to unique multi-scale datasets and a strong international training environment.

Applicants must have an MSc degree in Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Geography, Remote Sensing, or a closely related discipline. Essential skills include experience with remote sensing, GIS, spatial data analysis, programming (Python, R, or similar), and willingness to conduct fieldwork in African dryland regions. Good English communication skills and the ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team are required. Additional assets include experience with time-series analysis, familiarity with dryland ecosystems, and interest in conservation and restoration.

The position offers a 4-year fully funded PhD contract, joint supervision by Prof. Ben Somers and Dr. Sybryn Maes (KU Leuven), in collaboration with Prof. Martin Brandt and Prof. Stephanie Horion (University of Copenhagen). Opportunities for conference participation, advanced training, and professional development are provided. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

Applications are accepted online via the KU Leuven jobsite. The expected start date is preferably early June 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Ben Somers at [email protected].