PHD candidate in remote sensing for nature conservation

Key responsibilities
• To develop ecoinformatics tools to track animals based on hyperspectral data;
• To create a data assimilation-based method to derive and classify functional attributes of vegetation based on hyperspectral data;
• To link spatial and temporal patterns of animal movements to vegetation characteristics for a better understanding of animal preferences and behaviour;
• To provide suggestions for nature management based on a high spatiotemporal understanding of ecosystems.

Selection Criteria
• MSc degree in remote sensing or informatics with applications to ecological or land surface issues. Alternatively; MSc degree in biology or environmental sciences with a proven extensive experience in modelling or data assimilation methodologies ;
• A strong quantitative view on science;
• skills that allow you to quantitatively integrate environmental and/or ecological information into analyses and models;
• proficient in spoken and written English;
• good communication skills;
• a strong interest in a scientific career.

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
For more information, see http://www.science.leidenuniv.nl. and http://workingat.leiden.edu/.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Prof. Dr. Peter van Bodegom ([Email Address Removed]), telephone: +31 (0)71 527 7486. Information about the faculty of science can be found at http://www.science.leidenuniv.nl/index.php/english/ and about Leiden University at http://workingat.leiden.edu/.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email quoting the vacancy number to
Susanna van den Oever: [Email Address Removed].
• Please ensure that you upload your curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation.

Only applications received before 5 October 2017 can be considered.