Postdoc on Geodata Science and GeoAI

Utrecht University via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Utrecht University in the Health Geography group is seeking a postdoctoral researcher (R2) to develop geospatial analytical models and GeoAI approaches focused on health system resilience. You will harmonize diverse spatial data, build reproducible pipelines, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team while contributing to supervision of MSc students.

The position is 1.0 FTE for 12 months (with potential extension), starting January 1, 2027, with a gross monthly salary of €3,706–€5,760 under

Qualifications

• PhD in GIScience or related field completed.
• Experience with diverse spatial analytical methods.
• Proficient in Python and Git version control.
• Experience with multi-source geospatial data.

Responsibilities

• Harmonize diverse spatial data and develop geospatial models and GeoAI approaches.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and engage in participatory workshops.
• Develop an interactive map-based web interface.
• Publish in international journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to supervision of MSc students.

Skills

PhD in GIScience

Python programming

Geospatial data analysis

GIS/GeoAI model development

Strong communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

PhD in GIScience

Tools

Python

ArcGIS

QGIS

GitHub

Job description

Organisation/Company Utrecht University Research Field Geography » Human geography Geography » Social geography Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Interested in how geospatial data science and GeoAI can be applied to investigate health system resilience under the rising pressure of polycrisis? Excited about developing spatial models and GeoAI systems to create resilient health systems and reduce health disparities?

Your job

At Utrecht University, you will be part of the Health Geography group as a postdoctoral researcher. You will harmonize diverse spatial data and develop geospatial analytical models and GeoAI approaches, notably on research related to health system resilience. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to investigate how geodatabases and spatial models can be combined with other approaches such as participatory engagements to reduce health system vulnerabilities and spatial disparities in health care provision.

Your main responsibilities include:

• integrating multi-source datasets, including GIS data, and qualitative insights;
• developing reproducible spatial analytical and GeoAI pipelines to investigate health system resilience and health disparities;
• designing scenario-based spatial models to investigate future risks and resilience of the health system and health disparities under polycrisis;
• evaluating and improving model performance, explainability, fairness, and robustness;
• collaborating with health system experts and practitioners in participatory workshops;
• developing an interactive, publicly accessible map-based web interface;
• publishing high-quality scientific articles in international journals;
• presenting findings at conferences and stakeholder events;
• contributing to supervision of MSc students.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with a strong technical background and an interest in societal impact. You have:

• a PhD in GIScience, geoinformatics, spatial data science, spatial analytics, or a related field;
• experience with diverse spatial analytical methods;
• strong programming skills (e.g., Python) and version control (e.g., GitHub);
• experience working with multi-source geospatial data (e.g., network, satellite);
• experience with GIS and GeoAI-related model development and evaluation;
• an interest in GIScience, health inequality and health system resilience;
• strong communication and academic writing skills;
• the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.

Experience with one or more of the following is considered an advantage:

• Familiarity with Dutch data portals (e.g., PDOK, CBS);
• Conducting participatory workshops and scenario-based games (e.g., serious games).

Additional Information

We offer:

• a position (1.0 FTE) for 12 months. After a positive evaluation, the position can be extended to 22 months;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.706 and €5.760 (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth , flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment .

Selection process

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Vening Meineszgebouw A , the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page .

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

Interviews will take place late November, 2026.

The start date is January 1, 2027.

For more information, please contact SM Labib at [e-mail]

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.