About this position
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.
Requirements
Specific Requirements
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 presentingresults;
- A driver’s license B;
- First experience with leading and carrying out field sampling and chemical laboratory analysis is an advantage.
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.