The Natural Resources department (NRS) of ITC works in the domains of Agriculture and Environment with a focus on food security, biodiversity and ecosystems (forests, wetlands, drylands). The department uses earth observation data and spatial information in combination with systems modelling, geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing for the assessment, monitoring, planning and management of natural resources, for their sustainable use, development and restoration under global change.

Combining remote sensing with in-situ data is an important approach to fill gaps in environmental and biodiversity monitoring. A complementary issue is how to handle the large volumes of satellite imagery as well as in situ data, which require processing in the cloud, in order to report on the state of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and their dynamics. You will focus on developing spatial and temporal models for Species Populations, Species Traits, Ecosystem Structure and Ecosystem Function, using remote sensing. A focus of this position will be on how EBVs can be made available and visible in the web through portals, and how to generate more complex variables, such as reporting on the state of the global forests, savannas, grasslands and wetlands. The development of ecological models will include dynamic modelling. You will contribute to developing research and education with a special technical orientation towards cloud computing as well as open source GIS applications.

• You possess a minimum of an MSc degree in GIS and Remote Sensing or a related natural resource/biology/geography major, with strong computer science capabilities, and a PhD in Spatial Ecology or a related topic.
• You should have two years of practical or research experience (i.e., post-doc) since your PhD graduation.
• You should be competent in open source programming languages, such as R or Python, (open source) GIS and remote sensing applications and cloud computing platforms:

• You have broad knowledge of the domains of the department.
• You have an aptitude for teaching, including lecturing and tutoring at an academic level.
• You have an affinity with a multi-cultural, post-graduate education environment.
• You have a willingness to contribute to international projects.
• You will have an excellent command of English. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Dutch, is an advantage.

Information and application
Additional information about this position can be obtained from prof. dr. Andrew Skidmore (e-mail: a.k.skidmore@utwente.nl) You are also invited to visit our homepage.

Please submit your application through the form before 1 October 2019 (choose “apply now” below). Your application must include (i) a motivation letter clearly stating how you meet the selection criteria and outlining your research and teaching interests and (ii) a detailed CV with references.

We offer an inspiring and challenging international environment. You will be initially employed for two years. Extension of the employment after this period is a possibility.

• Gross monthly salary between € 3637,- and € 4978,- depending on experience and qualifications (job profile Assistant Professor level 2).
• 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.
• Possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave.
• Minimum of 41 holiday days in case of full-time employment.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation using remote sensing and GIS. The aim of ITC's activities is the international exchange of knowledge, focusing on capacity building and institutional development in developing countries and emerging economies.