PhD in Reading Ecosystems from Space

Laplace Expert Ltd; Wageningen; Remote; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) invites applications for a PhD candidate to link hyperspectral Earth observation to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. The project combines field ecology, lab work and airborne or satellite hyperspectral remote sensing within the ASCENT programme, with an initial 1-year appointment and potential extension.

Eligibility requires an MSc in ecology or environmental sciences; experience in field or laboratory work and remote sensing is preferred

Qualifications

• MSc in ecology, environmental sciences or closely related field.
• Experience with ecological field or laboratory work and remote sensing is expected; field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis are advantageous.
• Technical skills include hyperspectral remote sensing, field ecology, trait analysis, Earth observation and spectral data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Link hyperspectral Earth observation data to measures of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.
• Conduct field and laboratory work as part of the project.
• Collaborate within the ASCENT research programme to integrate remote sensing with ecological data.

Skills

Hyperspectral remote sensing

Field ecology

Trait analysis

Earth observation

Spectral data analysis

Education

MSc in ecology/environmental sciences

Job description

Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) · Terrestrial Ecology

Netherlands

About This Opportunity

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology is recruiting a PhD candidate to link hyperspectral Earth observation to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. The official vacancy contains a deadline conflict between 18 and 19 October 2026, so no single normalized deadline is selected.

The project uses field ecology, laboratory measurements and airborne or satellite hyperspectral remote sensing to investigate how plant traits, nitrogen deposition, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning can be read from space. It is embedded in the ASCENT research programme.

Level PhD

Attendance Field-based

Time Commitment Flexible

Duration Initial 1-year appointment with intended 3-year extension after positive evaluation

Field Remote Sensing of Ecosystem Function and Biodiversity

Organization Type Research Institute

Funding & Compensation

Amount EUR 3204-4051 / Per Month

Funding Type Salary

Funding Status Paid

Period Per Month

Requirements

Education

Applicants should hold an MSc in ecology, environmental sciences or a closely related field.

Experience

Experience with ecological field or laboratory work and remote sensing is expected; field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis are advantageous.

Technical Skills

Hyperspectral remote sensing Field ecology Trait analysis Earth observation Spectral data analysis