Summary
Leiden University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on understanding changing fire dynamics and their impacts on vegetation and climate. The researcher will combine Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) with advanced satellite-based remote sensing datasets to improve predictions of wildfire behavior, emissions, vegetation recovery, and climate impacts. The position is part of the INFLAMES national research project conducted in collaboration with Utrecht University and other Dutch research institutes.
Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity in Dynamic Vegetation Modeling & Satellite-Based Fire Analysis at Leiden University, Netherlands
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Job Details Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Position | Postdoctoral Researcher for Dynamic Vegetation Modeling and Satellite-Based Fire Analysis |
| Institution | Leiden University |
| Faculty/Unit | Faculty of Science – Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) |
| Job Type | Academic Staff |
| Vacancy ID | 16782 |
| Research Collaboration | Leiden University & Utrecht University |
| Contract Duration | Initial 1 year, extendable up to 2 additional years based on performance |
| Working Hours | Full-time (38 hours/week) |
| Salary | €3,546 – €5,538 gross per month |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Interview Date | 10 September 2026 (online) |
Research Area
- Dynamic Global Vegetation Modeling (DGVM)
- Climate–vegetation–fire interactions
- Satellite-based remote sensing and geospatial analysis
- Wildfire dynamics and impacts
- Carbon emissions and non-CO₂ fire emissions
- Vegetation recovery and ecosystem responses
- Environmental modeling and high-performance computing
Location
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University
Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences focuses on interdisciplinary research related to sustainability, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem processes, and environmental challenges.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A PhD/Doctorate degree in a relevant discipline.
- Experience working with large geospatial datasets, such as:
- ERA5 climate datasets
- CMIP6 climate projections
- Sentinel satellite data
- MODIS remote sensing products
- Experience with complex environmental models and preferably Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs).
- Understanding and interest in interactions between:
- Ecology
- Climate change
- Wildfires
- Strong analytical skills and scientific writing abilities.
Job Description
The selected researcher will:
- Adapt the fire component of a Dynamic Global Vegetation Model to improve representation of vegetation fire characteristics.
- Analyze and improve simulations of non-CO₂ fire emissions.
- Evaluate satellite-derived observations of:
- Trace gas emissions
- Surface albedo changes during and after wildfires
- Vegetation recovery processes
- Improve modeling approaches for predicting future wildfire dynamics.
- Assess the regional impacts of fires on vegetation and climate systems.
- Work with interdisciplinary researchers as part of the INFLAMES project.
Salary & Benefits
- Monthly gross salary: €3,546 – €5,538 depending on experience.
- Holiday allowance: 8%.
- End-of-year bonus: 8.3%.
- Pension scheme through ABP.
- Hybrid working opportunities.
- Home-working allowance and internet support.
- Professional development opportunities and research collaboration support.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the Leiden University online recruitment system. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Names and contact details of at least two referees
Applicants should mention the vacancy number 16782 in their application.
Contact Person:
Prof. Peter van Bodegom
Email: p.m.van.bodegom@cml.leidenuniv.nl
Last Date for Apply
31 August 2026
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Interviews are scheduled for 10 September 2026 and will be conducted online
