Position
Naturalis possesses one of the largest collections in the world of butterfly specimens from South East Asia, and this collection has been the focus of concentrated digitisation efforts during the past eight years, including specimen photography. This new project seeks to harness this dataset using machine learning in order to release this information and make it available for scientists and conservation biologists around the world. The project aims to accelerate the identification and ecological analysis of museum specimens, to integrate our collections with existing global knowledge, to produce a novel synthesis of available information, and to develop new tools that will facilitate modern day research in this biodiversity hotspot. 

The envisioned candidate will lead the central work of the project, which can be broken down into five core tasks:

• Develop machine-learning models (image recognition) that can identify photographed butterfly specimens. Models will be based in large part on unidentified specimens, and outputs must be integrated with validated images and collaboration with taxon authorities.
• Produce a finalised model which can be used by global researchers to identify collection butterflies to a level suitable for academic research.
• Integrate Naturalis and existing external datasets to assess and visualise data gaps across South East Asian butterflies, identifying priority areas and taxa requiring study.
• Using combined datasets, conduct ecological modelling to determine butterfly community composition and population trends, with a focus on the implications for butterfly conservation in South East Asia. 
• Communicate these findings to the wider scientific community through scientific publications.

General requirements and skills

We are looking for a candidate with

• A Phd in a relevant discipline (e.g. artificial intelligence, biology, environmental science) and a strong interest in ecology
• meaningful experience working with machine-learning image recognition models, including both academic study and practical application using real-world datasets
• a strong analytical background and experience with software to analyse ecological data (e.g. R, Python)
• good team worker with a strong desire to develop their skills further
• the ability to coordinate and mobilise people (including volunteers) to work towards the project objectives

It would be an asset if the candidate would have a personal interest in butterflies, their ecology, and their conservation. We expect a scientific and critical attitude, good time management skills, and the ability to work independently. Excellent knowledge of the English language (written and verbal) is essential, as this will be the main working language of the project. 

Fixed-term contract: One year, to be possibly extended with one year after successful evaluation.

We offer

• A contract (32-36 hours per week)
• for a period of one year, to be possibly extended with one year after successful evaluation.
• The desired start date is 1 February 2025, but flexibility is possible.
• The monthly starting salary is between € 3,641.- and € 4,731.- gross, depending on relevant experience.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden is the Dutch national research institute for biodiversity and systematics. With our collection of 42 million specimens, one of the world's largest natural history collections, and our state-of-the-art research facilities we offer the (inter)national research infrastructure for species, identification and monitoring (for example in the ARISE and DiSSCo projects). We closely collaborate with many Dutch universities, research institutes, industry, and government. We host over 120 researchers including 15 academia embedded professors, 30 postdocs and 50 PhD students. We present the history of our planet, and the diversity of life on Earth, through permanent and temporary museum exhibitions, educational programmes, and online presence, with more than 400,000 visitors per year. All in all, a unique combination of science and culture in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world!. 

Are you looking for a new opportunity to contribute to the science that is needed to understand the state of biodiversity and help develop tools that can be used to inform conservation strategy and policy? Would you like to join a friendly and open environment where you can develop your skills and learn new things? Then this vacancy may be for you.

NL Biodiversity and Society

The successful candidate will be employed by Naturalis in Leiden. Naturalis Biodiversity Center offers an inspiring working atmosphere with career development support. Our Research Coordination Office also provides ample support to our scientific staff. Our institute promotes gender equality and wants to enhance the diversity of staff members. The successful candidate will become part of the NL Biodiversity and Society research group (led by Prof. Dr. Koos Biesmeijer) which works at the interface of ecological research, policy, and public/private initiatives, including biodiversity monitoring and developing solutions to the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Direct supervision will be provided by Dr Thomas Wood and Dr Leon Marshall.

Naturalis endorses the Cultural Diversity Code. In the case of equal suitability, preference is given to the candidate who reinforces diversity within the team.

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