Postdoctoral researcher for dynamic vegetation modeling and satellite-based fire analysis Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University is advertising a postdoctoral researcher position focused on dynamic vegetation modeling and satellite-based fire analysis. The project is carried out in collaboration with Utrecht University and contributes to INFLAMES, a national research initiative on fires involving partners from several research institutes and universities in the Netherlands.

The research will quantify fire dynamics and their impacts on vegetation and climate at regional scales by combining a Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM) with state-of-the-art remote sensing data. The successful candidate will work on improving the model representation of fire-related processes, including vegetation fire attributes, non-CO2 emissions, and albedo changes following wildfire events. The project also includes assessing post-fire recovery and vegetation regrowth and using the improved model to make predictions of future fire dynamics and ecosystem impacts.

The position is based at the Institute of Environmental Science (CML) within Leiden University’s Faculty of Science. CML is presented as a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with strong links to sustainability research, environmental biology, industrial ecology, and broader environmental sciences. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of a vibrant academic setting with opportunities for skill development, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and work within an international university environment.

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field and bring experience with large geospatial datasets such as ERA5, CMIP6, Sentinel, and MODIS. Experience with complex models and high-performance computing is expected, ideally including DGVMs. The post also calls for an understanding of the interactions between ecology, climate, and fire, together with evidence of analytical thinking and scientific writing ability.

The appointment is initially for one year with the possibility of extension for up to two years depending on performance. The role is full-time at 38 hours per week and follows pay scale 10 under the Dutch university collective agreement. The salary ranges from €3,546 to €5,538 gross per month, complemented by an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The university also highlights flexible working arrangements, hybrid options where applicable, pension coverage, and a range of secondary benefits.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Applications must be submitted via the online recruitment system, with a CV, cover letter (maximum two pages), and contact details for at least two referees. Email applications will not be considered.