Postdoc: Development of a real-time evapotranspiration monitoring tool

We are looking for a curious and driven postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development of a real-time tool for monitoring and predicting field-scale crop evapotranspiration. This position blends modelling of crop evapotranspiration with in-situ and remote-sensing observations to support smarter water use for sustainable farming in the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands. You work with a passionate team at the forefront of environmental monitoring and modelling with a focus on sustainable water management.

Your job
Accurate estimation of crop evapotranspiration is crucial for agriculture and water management, especially considering the more frequent occurrence of climate extremes and current developments in climate-resilient water management in farming. This project aims to develop a tool for real-time quantification of crop evapotranspiration at the field scale using a combination of in-situ measurements, satellite data, and modeling techniques. In-situ observations of soil moisture and vegetation cover are currently conducted at the research farm Rusthoeve in Colijnsplaat Zeeland, with the option to extend to other locations in Zeeland.

In this postdoctoral research position you focus on developing and validating a real-time evapotranspiration model at the field scale to support climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable water management in the province of Zeeland.

You will be part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community of the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University, specifically the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development and the Department of Physical Geography. You will collaborate closely with the Delta Climate Center in Vlissingen to align with a community of stakeholders in the province of Zeeland.

Your responsibilities:

• maintain and expand a sensor setup for in-situ monitoring of precipitation, soil moisture, radiation, and NDVI installed at AIKC Rusthoeve (Colijnsplaat, Zeeland);
• apply and refine evapotranspiration estimation methods based on these in-situ observations (e.g. Makkink, Penman-Monteith, SPAC-models);
• develop spatial upscaling techniques using remote-sensing data and regional modelling techniques;
• supervise student research projects linked the BSc programme Global Sustainability Science and the MSc programme Water Management for Climate Adaptation;
• communicate and interact with a community of stakeholders in Zeeland;
• publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences;
• contribute to outreach by popular publications and public lectures.

Required:

• a PhD in hydrology, (micro)meteorology, environmental science, remote sensing, agricultural engineering, or a closely related field;
• experience with installation and maintenance of sensors for in-situ monitoring of (micro)meteorological or hydrological variables;
• experience with the application and development of environmental modeling and data analysis tools;
• programming skills (e.g. Python, R, Matlab, or other relevant programming language);
• excellent communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Desirable:

• experience with digital twin technologies or real-time data integration tools;
• familiarity with working with geospatial data and relevant software tools;
• experience with supervising student research projects;
• knowledge of Dutch agricultural systems;
• in possession of Dutch driving license B;
• Dutch language skills.

We offer:

• a position for 12 months, which will be extended to a total of three years after positive evaluation;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.