Postdoctoral Fellowship: PostDoc in Remote Sensing and geospatial Artificial Intelligence Integration

PostDoc in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Artificial Intelligence Integration — Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)

About the role

The Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing (GRS) at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Remote Sensing of the land surface, with a strong focus on the integration of geospatial Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The successful candidate will divide their time equally between teaching Remote Sensing and GIS at bachelor’s and master’s levels, and advancing research on how AI-based and data-driven methods can enhance the analysis, interpretation, and scalability of Remote Sensing data.

We are particularly interested in candidates working on land-oriented applications such as agriculture, biodiversity, forestry, the urban-rural interface, human-environment systems, and/or climate change impacts. The role combines cutting-edge research with education, offering an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Remote Sensing experts while developing your own lecturing and supervision skills.

Research context

The GRS chair group is led by Prof. de Beurs and Prof. de Bruin; the postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by Dr. Kirsten de Beurs and Dr. Harm Bartholomeus. The group studies vegetation and land-use dynamics from local to global scales, using advanced methods applied to the full range of Remote Sensing imagery, including UAV and airborne platforms, imaging spectroscopy, and optical and SAR satellite data. AI and machine learning are increasingly central to the group’s work, and the postdoc will also join the wider WUR ecosystem where AI is developed and applied across many fields relevant to sustainability and the environment.

Your responsibilities

• Conduct research on the integration of Remote Sensing and cutting-edge AI methods;
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at conferences;
• Lecture in BSc and MSc courses offered by the GRS chair group;
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervise BSc and MSc theses;
• Contribute to the further development of the Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing.

Your qualities and requirements

• A PhD degree in Remote Sensing, geo-information science, data science, geography, or a related field;
• Experience with, and a passion for, delivering high-quality education at BSc and MSc levels, with eagerness to further develop educational skills according to the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ);
• In-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of Remote Sensing of the land surface, with experience in data processing from relevant instruments and sensors;
• Demonstrated ability to apply AI and machine learning methods to Earth Observation and geospatial analysis;
• Experience with big data processing, cloud computing environments, and scientific programming;
• A strong team player willing to contribute to the wider interests of the group and the university;
• An emerging track record of peer-reviewed papers;
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills (C1 level).

What we offer

WUR offers excellent terms of employment, including a competitive gross salary between €3,546 and €5,538 per month for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU, scale 10). An initial one-year contract is offered, extendable by one more year on good performance and subject to organisational circumstances. Additional highlights include an excellent pension scheme, opportunities for development and internal mobility, and an international, open working environment on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands.

Coming from abroad

WUR has a large international community. The team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will assist with visa applications for the candidate and, if applicable, their family. The International Community page provides practical information about support for international employees, and the Welcome Center offers advice on housing, opening a bank account, dual-career programmes, and schooling. Certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

About Wageningen University & Research

WUR’s mission is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.” The organisation comprises Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation, with roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 FTE), 13,100 students, and over 150,000 participants in lifelong learning. WUR values diversity and inclusion and aims to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated. For this vacancy, WUR will recruit directly and no employment agencies are used; sharing the vacancy in your network is appreciated.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted through the WUR website until August 20, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before July 27, 2026. Only applications submitted through the website will be considered.

For more information about the position, contact Prof. dr. Kirsten de Beurs at [email protected]. For questions about the application procedure, contact Jessa Rozema, Corporate Recruiter, at [email protected].

Original vacancy