Postdoc: Development of a real-time evapotranspiration monitoring tool

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Postdoc: Development of a real-time evapotranspiration monitoring tool

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Job description

Offer DescriptionWe 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 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 and the . You will collaborate closely with the 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, Pennmann-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.

Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsSpecific RequirementsRequired:

• 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.

Additional InformationBenefitsWe 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 laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating , leave schemes and schemes for , 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 .Selection processAs Utrecht University, we want to be a for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.The first round of interviews will be held on 2 July 2025.Additional commentsFor more information, please contact at .Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Universiteit Utrecht Country Netherlands City Utrecht Postal Code 3584CB Street Princetonlaan 8a GeofieldContact CityUtrecht WebsiteStreetDomplein 29 Postal Code3512 JESTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

€3378 – 5331 per month

Location

Utrecht

Job date

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 03:06:19 GMT

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