PhD candidate: Reading Ecosystems from Space

The PhD candidate: Reading Ecosystems from Space: Hyperspectral earth observation for understanding impacts of nitrogen deposition on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

• Scientific/Non-scientific: Academic staff
• Institute: NIOO
• Location: Wageningen
• Minimum hours per week: 30,4
• Maximum hours per week: 38
• Contract duration: 4 jaar

What you will be doing

Ecosystems around the globe are under pressure from anthropogenic activities, such as the continued deposition of nitrogen, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and functionality. Quantifying biodiversity and ecosystem functionality in response to global changes and restoration efforts at large spatial and temporal scales is essential to understand where action is needed and to monitor restoration success. Developments in remote sensing and current and upcoming hyperspectral missions offer a timely opportunity to advance large-scale monitoring and diagnosing of ecosystem processes. In the recently funded NWO project ‘ASCENT’, a consortium of scientists will combine technological, methodological and ecological knowledge to take a next step in using remote sensing techniques for ecological monitoring of ecosystems across scales using hyperspectral earth observation data.

Within the ASCENT project, you will work as a PhD candidate in an interdisciplinary consortium with remote sensers, ecologists, data scientists, and modellers. You will be responsible for quantifying responses of a set of Essential Biodiversity Variables, including plant traits and ecosystem functions, to nitrogen deposition in long-term field experiments in grasslands (NutNet) and along landscape gradients in forests (Veluwe), as well as in response to landscape-scale manipulation of forest structural heterogeneity along a nitrogen deposition gradient (Beta-For experiment in Germany). You will link your trait and functional measurements to airborne- or satellite-collected (hyper)spectral data to understand how and which hyperspectral Earth Observation (EO) data can be used to assess different facets of ecosystem functioning in grasslands and forests. Within the project, you will collaborate closely with other PhDs and postdocs to collect field data, link ecological and EO data, and integrate your findings into models to predict ecosystem functioning in response to global changes and management interventions. You will learn how to publish your findings in a PhD thesis and peer-reviewed articles and give presentations at consortium meetings and (international) conferences.

What are we looking for

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with an MSc degree in ecology or environmental sciences with experience in (1) ecological laboratory or field work and (2) remote sensing.

Besides that, you have:

• A strong learning mindset, while actively seeking out new skills and knowledge;
• The ability to thrive both independently and as a part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary consortium, taking ownership of your work while contributing effectively to shared goals;
• Effective communication skills on different levels and a good command of both written and spoken English;
• A strong affinity for writing and presenting results;
• A driver’s license B;
• First experience with leading and carrying out field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis is an advantage.

What do we offer

A fully-funded PhD position, with an initial appointment for 1 year, which will be prolonged with 3 years after a positive go/no go evaluation (i.e, total appointment of 4 years (1.0 fte)). Working 0.8 fte (i.e., five years in total) is a possibility. The preferred starting date is 15 January 2027. You will become a member of the graduate school PE&RC through which you can follow courses on ecological subjects, research methods, statistical analyses, and transferrable skills.

Your workplace

Your PhD project will be a collaborative project between the NIOO-KNAW and Utrecht University. You will be primarily based at the department of Terrestrial Ecology (TE) at NIOO-KNAW, where we aim to understand the diversity and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and the responses of species, communities, and ecosystems to changing environmental conditions. The department consists of a dynamic, interactive and collaborative group of researchers, postdocs, PhD candidates, research assistants and internship students from diverse backgrounds. We organise weekly seminars to stimulate scientific discussion and exchange ideas, as well as social activities. NIOO-KNAW has state-of-the-art research facilities and research support.

At Utrecht University’s you will work at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, part of the Faculty of Geosciences. The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development addresses complex sustainability challenges and works towards accelerating the transition to a sustainable society. Bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines, the Institute focuses on key issues such as energy, food, water, land use and the circular economy. Collaboration is at the heart of its work, connecting academia with policymakers, businesses, civil society and citizens to turn knowledge into meaningful impact. With a vibrant community of researchers, the Institute offers an inspiring and interdisciplinary environment for research, education and innovation in sustainability.

About NIOO

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

Terms of employment

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.204 and the maximum salary is € 4.051 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.