Assistant Professor in Remote Sensing and geospatial Artificial Intelligence

The Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing at Wageningen University seeks talented and enthusiastic candidates for a tenure track appointment at the rank of Assistant (UD) Professor in Remote Sensing of the land surface, with a strong interest in the integration of geospatial Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

We seek a scholar with interests and expertise in advancing the science and applications of Remote Sensing, who is also enthusiastic about incorporating AI-based and data-driven methods to extract new insights from Earth Observation data. We are particularly interested in candidates working on land-oriented applications such as agriculture, biodiversity, forestry, urban-rural interface, human-environment systems and/or climate change impacts. The ideal candidate will have an excellent research track record of innovative Remote Sensing research and demonstrates the ability to connect methodological advances with societal challenges. Further, we search for a candidate that can educate and inspire the next generation of Remote Sensing experts. Experience in cutting-edge AI and machine learning as tools to enhance the analysis, interpretation, and scalability of Remote Sensing data, is highly valued. The successful candidate will contribute actively to research, education, and collaboration within a transdisciplinary environment.

You will join the Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing, a multidisciplinary group with excellent expertise in the study of vegetation and land use dynamics from local to global scales. Within the Remote Sensing group, we use a combination of advanced methods and modelling approaches applied to the full range of Remote Sensing imagery for land monitoring, from UAV and airborne platforms to imaging spectroscopy, optical to SAR satellite data at a global scale. Increasingly, our work integrates AI and machine learning approaches to process and interpret large and complex Remote Sensing datasets. When joining our group, you will also join the wider and growing ecosystem of WUR, where artificial intelligence is further developed and applied across many exciting fields relevant to sustainability and the environment.

The research is embedded within the chair Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing which is led by Prof. de Beurs  and Prof de Bruin.

This position is part of the Academic Career Framework (ACF) at Wageningen University & Research, which has replaced the traditional Tenure Track. This new career framework for all academic staff at Wageningen University has started on 9 March 2025. One of the 3 career paths is the Professor Career Path. The aim of this ACF is  to achieve a new balance in recognising and valuing academics where both team collaboration and the unique talent of individual scientists are seen, by creating more differentiation in career paths, putting the emphasis on the quality of work and less on quantitative results, doing justice to the individual qualities and ambitions of academics as much as to team performance, promoting all aspects of open science and encouraging high-quality leadership in the academy.

In this challenging career trajectory:

• you acquire, lead and implement innovative and creative(inter-) national research projects in Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing;
• you collaborate with colleagues and supervise PhD students, BSc and MSc theses and you develop and teach courses;
• you contribute to the further development of the Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing.

You are/have

• A PhD degree in Remote Sensing, geo-information science, data science, geography, or related field.
• Experience with and a passion for delivering high-quality education at all levels, including supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
• In-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of Remote Sensing of the land surface with extensive experience in data processing from relevant instruments and sensors.
• A strong team player willing to contribute to the wider interests of the group and the university.
• Demonstrated ability in applying AI and machine learning methods in Earth Observation and geospatial analysis.
• Experience with big data processing and cloud computing environments and proficiency in scientific programming.
• Experience in, or motivation to develop, research leadership and attract external funding.
• An emerging track record of peer-reviewed papers.
• Excellent English oral communication and writing skills (C1 level).

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will be offered a fixed-term, 18 months contract which, upon positive evaluation, can lead to a permanent employment contract. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.546,- and € 6.433 ,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10-11)

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

For more information about the position, please contact Prof.dr. Kirsten de Beurs, via kirsten.debeurs@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jessa Rozema, Corporate Recruiter, via jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl .

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until January 30, 2025.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

​