Are you an emerging scientist driven by scientific curiosity to discover and learn? Are you interested in unravelling the intricate nexus between climate change stressors and biodiversity? Are you passionate about processing and analysing multi-sourced Earth Observation data for vulnerable ecosystems in Europe?

Then, join our PhD program to use Earth Observation and spatial science in pioneering biodiversity conservation strategies for climate change adaptation.

Monitoring ecosystem function and structure is essential for understanding biodiversity changes and assessing the impact of climate change on ecological processes. Yet, there are numerous gaps in our understanding of how climate change impacts biodiversity, particularly through ecosystem functioning and structure changes. Under a flagship Horizon EU-China collaboration project, BioClima, you will apply the state-of-the-art Earth Observation technology and conduct novel research to investigate the impact of climate extremes on ecosystems' health and ecosystem functioning and structure.

You will use remote sensing enabled Essential Biodiversity and Climate variables associated with ecosystem functioning and structure and their response to extreme climate events and anthropogenic activities like land use change to examine how climate change contributes to changes in vulnerable ecosystems and the state of biodiversity.

• A recent MSc in one or more of the following fields (preferably a combination of): Earth Observation, Geospatial Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources and Ecology, or a related field with an excellent academic performance.
• Good analytical and programming skills (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Skills in applying various remote sensing data sources, particularly hyperspectral and thermal infrared remote sensing data
• A strong motivation for doing research and affinity with working in interdisciplinary teams
• A team player who is willing to take responsibility and have the flexibility to work with tight deadlines
• Motivation to publish scientific articles and present at scientific events, with prior experience considered as an advantage
• Minimal English language requirements (An academic IELTS test: a total band score of 6.5; or TOEFL-iBT: at least 90; or Cambridge CAE-C)

The following competencies are a plus:

• Familiarity with different models suitable for predicting EBVs and ECVs
• Capable of effective communication with external project partners
• Having a driving license

• An inspiring multidisciplinary, international and academic environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda
• Full-time position for four years
• A professional and personal development programme within Twente Graduate School
• Gross monthly salary of € 2,872.00 in the first year, which increases to € 3,760.00 in the fourth year
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in case of full-time employment
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus

Natural resources are crucial to maintaining the well-being of societies. Sustainable management of these natural resources balances the needs of people and the environment. It avoids the depletion, degradation, and destruction of ecosystems, prevents biodiversity loss and soil erosion, and mitigates the impacts of climate change.

Our research, education, and partnerships empower society to effectively use insights from geo-information and Earth observation technologies for sustainable management of the environment. The outcome is an increased understanding of the processes that affect the availability, stability, quality, and sustainability of natural resources, enabling their preservation, sustainable use, development, or restoration.

Our academic staff, PhD candidates, and MSc students focus on developing both the means and the measurements that are essential to monitoring trends, tracking changes, and enabling action to sustain biologically diverse environments and productive agricultural systems.

For more information, you may contact Dr Elnaz Neinavaz (e.neinavaz@utwente.nl). You are also invited to visit our homepage.

For questions about working and living in the Netherlands, please consult the official website of the Netherlands Government or the website of the Expat Center East Netherlands.

Please submit your application before January 15, 2025, including:

• A motivation letter (maximum two pages of A4) emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply, including a short description of your MSc thesis (max 250 words)
• Curriculum Vitae (including publications list, previous work experiences, a list of all courses attended and grades obtained and the names and contact information of at least two references)
• A copy of your MSc diploma and transcript. If you are in the final stage (at the latest, you will graduate in February 2025), a letter from your MSc supervisor stating that the MSC is near completion is also sufficient.

Interviews will be held in the last week of January 2025. The successful candidate will most likely start in March 2025 or April at the Latest.