Summary
The University of Twente, Faculty ITC, is looking for a Doctoral Candidate to join their research team as part of the ITEM (Infrastructure Twente for Ecosystem Monitoring) initiative. This role involves developing an open, explainable, and GeoAI-supported framework to temporally integrate Earth system models with observational data from spatial sensor networks and Earth observation imagery. You will model environmental processes such as air quality, heat, or drought across various land cover types and scales.
Designation
Doctoral Candidate (PhD)
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
| Employer | University of Twente (Faculty ITC) |
| Salary | €3,059 (1st year) – €3,881 (4th year) gross/monthly |
| Hours | 40 hours per week (Full-time) |
| Duration | 4 years (with a qualifier after 6–9 months) |
| Holiday Allowance | 8% of gross annual salary |
| Year-End Bonus | 8.3% |
Research Area
Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES), GeoAI, Earth System Modeling, Remote Sensing, Resource Security, and Disaster Resilience.
Location
University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- An MSc in math, physics, climatology, physical geography, or a related field.
- Experience with at least one field of quantitative (satellite) earth observation (e.g., radiative transfer modelling, data-driven ML/DL modelling, time-series, data assimilation).
- Good programming skills, with experience in C, C++, Python, or other relevant languages for geodata analysis.
- Ability to conduct independent research and field data collection.
- A creative mindset with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Interested in cross-disciplinary research and possessing a good team spirit.
Job Description
- Work with physics-based models, ground observations, and airborne/space-based earth observation images.
- Model environmental processes (like air quality, heat, or drought) over open water, agricultural, natural, and urban environments at multiple scales.
- Present research results (both preliminary and mature) at meetings and conferences, and publish findings in scientific journals.
- Contribute to teaching topics related to your work and mentor/supervise involved MSc students as needed.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the University of Twente’s portal and submit the following documents:
- A motivation letter (max 2 A4 pages) emphasizing specific interest, qualifications, and motivation.
- A detailed CV including the contact details of at least one reference person.
- An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades and a short description of your MSc thesis.
- An online link to an example of technical writing produced by you (e.g., a journal publication or thesis), if applicable.
- A link to the codes/programs you have written, if applicable.
(Note: Applications missing any of the above information will not be considered.)
Last Date to Apply
31 August 2026 (Please submit your application before 1 September 2026).
