Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Just Landed
New Today
Postdoc: Climate, human behaviour and dengue forecasting Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
NWO-funded project; fixed-term postdoc position for 8 months with a gross monthly salary of €3,706–€5,760 (Scale 10) at full-time basis; position offered at least 0.8 FTE.
Deadline
Nov 19, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
FEEL at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on forecasting dengue epidemics by combining climate information with indicators of human emotion. The project explores whether emotions expressed in news and public social media can add predictive value to dengue models, opening a new perspective on how human behaviour and communication patterns may relate to disease risk.
Based at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), the researcher will join an interdisciplinary environment focused on environmental research, climate risk and societal impacts. The role sits within the NWO-funded FEEL project and connects environmental science with health forecasting and data-driven analysis.
The postdoc will develop and evaluate methods to derive emotion indicators from news and public social media, integrate these with dengue surveillance records and climate data, and build forecasting models to test whether the added indicators improve predictions beyond climate and past dengue incidence. The work also includes assessing whether the indicators remain useful across locations and lead times, preparing a scientific manuscript, and documenting methods and code for reproducible research.
The wider institute and faculty environment at VU Amsterdam emphasise interdisciplinary problem-oriented research, linking natural sciences with social and economic context. The position is embedded in a research setting that values collaboration, reproducibility and societal relevance.
Funding details
NWO-funded project; fixed-term postdoc position for 8 months with a gross monthly salary of €3,706–€5,760 (Scale 10) at full-time basis; position offered at least 0.8 FTE.
What's required
Applicants must have, or will have completed by the starting date, a PhD in climate science, environmental science, physics or a related quantitative discipline. Required experience includes statistical modelling of climate impacts, health outcomes or social vulnerability, strong programming skills in Python or R, and experience combining and analysing spatial and temporal datasets. The role requires motivation to learn and apply text analysis and emotion detection methods, the ability to work independently and across disciplines, and strong written and spoken English. Previous experience with emotion detection is welcome but not essential.
How to apply
Apply via the AcademicTransfer application link. Submit a motivation letter limited to 1 page and a CV/resumé limited to 2 pages; applications sent by email will not be considered. Include the required diploma and be prepared for a reference check as part of the process.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.