We are looking for a postdoc researcher to perform research, support teaching activities and take up project coordination tasks within the KU Leuven Remote Sensing & Terrestrial Ecology group, headed by Prof. Ben Somers. Our research focusses on studying the role, vitality and stability of plant species and their communities in (sub)urban and semi-natural environments. The most recent developments in remote sensing technology are exploited to quantify vegetation structure and functioning at various temporal and spatial scales. Through integration of remote sensing, GIS and in situ observations in spatial explicit modeling routines we explore how, and to what extent, different plant species and/or plant assemblages contribute to ecosystem services. Central in our approach is the concept of “nature-based solutions” which refers to the use of nature in tackling today’s environmental challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, food security, water resources management, natural disaster risk management, etc. More specifically our project portfolio is organized along three thematic research lines: urban ecology, functional ecology and vegetation dynamics monitoring. Depending on your experience and personal interests you will be involved in one or more of these research lines.

This postdoc position provides you the opportunity to expand your international network and work together with internationally renowned remote sensing experts, ecosystem modelers and ecologists. Further you will have the opportunity to expand your academic CV by teaching, supervising B.Sc., M.Sc. and PhD students meanwhile having the opportunity to publish your own scientific findings. Finally you will get the opportunity to take a leading role in coordinating and expanding the research at the KU Leuven Remote Sensing & Terrestrial Ecology group.

Context of the position:
The successful candidate will work at the Remote Sensing & Terrestrial Ecology group, as part of the Division Forest, Nature and Landscape at the Department Earth & Environmental Sciences of KU Leuven (head Prof. Ben Somers; http://ees.kuleuven.be/fnl/research/index.html).

He/she has a proven track record in remote sensing. A background in ecology, vegetation science or earth and environmental sciences is an asset.

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Responsibilities

Your tasks are:

• to coordinate and perform remote sensing analysis tasks set-out in running projects (the team’s project portfolio can be found here: https://www.kuleuven.be/onderzoek/portaal/#/projecten/user/U0050928?hl=en&lang=en)
• closely collaborate with project partners
• assist in teaching activities (related to remote sensing, GIS, landscape & urban ecology)
• advise PhD, M.Sc. and B.Sc. students
• publish your scientific results in peer-reviewed international journals
• communicate project results to project partners and relevant stakeholders and on scientific conferences, through presentations, reports and articles
• assist in coordinating and expanding the research on remote sensing of vegetative systems within the division
• transfer your expertise to the rest of the research team

Profile   

• You hold a PhD degree (or equivalent relevantexperience) in bioscience or civil engineering, environmental sciences,geography, earth observation/remote sensing, geomatics, biology or closelyrelated field.
• You have experience and proven expertise in remotesensing data management and data processing and related software packages
• You have a good publication record relative to your careerstage
•  You are responsible, can work both independently andin a team, show initiative and seize opportunities
• You hold leadership skills (e.g. project coordination/management andnetworking)
• You have good written and oralcommunication skills in English
• You get things done

Offer

• We offer a 1-year contract, renewable after positive evaluation for another half year.
• We offer a very competitive salary with various additional benefits (in terms of holidays, health insurance, etc.), excellent research facilities, and conference and travel budget.

The start date is negotiable but not later than May 2020.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Ben Somers, tel.: +32 16 37 91 01, mail: ben.somers@kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than January 13, 2020 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.