Postdoctoral Researcher in Dynamic Vegetation Modeling and Satellite-Based Fire Analysis at Leiden University, Netherlands (2026)
The successful candidate will combine dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) with high-resolution satellite observations to improve the representation of fire processes and predict future fire dynamics at regional scales. The position is particularly suitable for researchers with expertise in environmental science, ecology, climate science, vegetation modeling, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and high-performance computing.
Postdoctoral Researcher Position at Leiden University
Position Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher – Dynamic Vegetation Modeling and Satellite-Based Fire Analysis |
| University | Leiden University |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
| Institute | Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) |
| Vacancy Number | 16782 |
| Contract | Initially 1 year, with possibility of extension up to 2 years |
| Working Hours | 38 hours/week |
| Salary | €3,546–€5,538 gross/month |
| Holiday Allowance | 8% |
| End-of-Year Bonus | 8.3% |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Interview Date | September 10, 2026 |
| Application Method | Online recruitment system |
The salary is based on pay scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities and depends on relevant experience.
About the Research Project
Wildfires are becoming an increasingly important component of global environmental change. Changes in fire frequency, intensity, extent and seasonality can have major consequences for vegetation dynamics, climate feedbacks, atmospheric emissions and ecosystem recovery.
This postdoctoral project will investigate these processes at regional scales by combining Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) with state-of-the-art remote sensing observations.
The research is part of INFLAMES, a national research project involving seven research institutes and universities in the Netherlands. The project aims to improve understanding of fire dynamics and their consequences for ecosystems and climate.
The researcher will work in collaboration with Utrecht University and will contribute to improving the representation of fire-related processes in vegetation models.
What Will the Postdoctoral Researcher Do?
The successful candidate will have several major research responsibilities.
1. Improve Dynamic Global Vegetation Models
The researcher will adapt the fire component of a Dynamic Global Vegetation Model to provide a better representation of vegetation characteristics that influence fire behaviour.
This will involve improving how vegetation attributes and fire processes are represented within the model.
2. Analyze Non-CO₂ Fire Emissions
The project will use high-resolution satellite-based estimates of trace-gas emissions to evaluate how well models represent non-CO₂ emissions from fires.
The researcher will identify areas where existing models can be improved and develop better approaches for simulating fire-related emissions.
3. Study Post-Fire Albedo Changes
Another important component is the analysis of albedo changes following wildfires.
The researcher will investigate changes during the period following fires, including:
Vegetation recovery
Regrowth
Changes in surface properties
Impacts of fire on modeled albedo
These observations will be used to improve model representation of post-fire ecosystem dynamics.
4. Predict Future Fire Dynamics
The project will ultimately use improved modeling approaches to make predictions of future fire dynamics and their effects on vegetation at regional scales.
This makes the position highly relevant to researchers working at the intersection of climate change, ecosystem modeling, wildfire science and remote sensing.
Key Research Areas
The position covers several interconnected research areas:
Dynamic Global Vegetation Models
Wildfire and fire dynamics
Climate–vegetation interactions
Remote sensing
Satellite-based environmental monitoring
Non-CO₂ fire emissions
Ecosystem recovery after wildfire
Surface albedo
Regional climate modeling
Geospatial datasets
High-performance computing
Environmental modeling
Eligibility and Qualifications
Leiden University is looking for a candidate with a doctoral degree in a relevant field and experience in environmental modeling, remote sensing, ecology or related areas.
Applicants should ideally have:
Educational Qualification
A PhD/doctorate in a relevant field.
Relevant backgrounds may include environmental science, ecology, climate science, Earth system science, geography, remote sensing or related disciplines.
Experience With Large Geospatial Datasets
Experience working with large geospatial datasets is expected.
Examples mentioned in the vacancy include:
ERA5
CMIP6
Sentinel
MODIS
Modeling and HPC Experience
Candidates should have experience working with complex models and high-performance computing.
Experience with Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) is particularly desirable.
Environmental Understanding
Candidates should have a strong understanding of, and interest in, the interactions between:
Ecology ↔ Climate ↔ Fire
Research Skills
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Analytical thinking
Scientific writing
Independent research ability
Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive academic salary under the Dutch university employment framework.
Salary
The gross monthly salary ranges from:
€3,546 to €5,538 per month
for a full-time 38-hour working week.
Additional Benefits
The position includes:
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
Attractive ABP pension scheme
Approximately 30.5 vacation days based on a 38-hour working week
Flexible working arrangements
Possibility of hybrid working within the Netherlands where appropriate
Home-working allowance
Laptop and home-office support
Options for paid parental leave and sabbaticals
Individual choices model for additional benefits
Bicycle scheme
Childcare-related options
Professional development opportunities
Contract Duration
The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extending the position for up to two additional years, subject to performance and project requirements.
The position is full-time at 38 hours per week.
Research Environment at Leiden University
The researcher will be based at the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) within the Faculty of Science at Leiden University.
CML is an interdisciplinary research environment focusing on major sustainability challenges, including:
Sustainable use of natural resources
Biodiversity conservation
Environmental sustainability
Ecosystem processes
Climate-related environmental challenges
The institute has around 150 FTE, including PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, and collaborates with institutions including TU Delft, Erasmus University and Naturalis Biodiversity Center through the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability and other research networks.
The position will also involve collaboration with Utrecht University through the INFLAMES project.
Application Requirements
Applicants must apply through the online recruitment system. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
The application should include:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter – maximum 2 pages
Names and contact details of at least two referees
Applicants should quote the vacancy number 16782 where applicable.
Application Deadline
August 31, 2026
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Interview
The interviews are scheduled for:
September 10, 2026
The interviews will be conducted online.
How to Apply
Interested researchers can submit their application through Leiden University's official recruitment system.
For position-related questions, applicants can contact:
or
Who Should Apply?
This position could be particularly suitable for researchers with backgrounds in:
Environmental Science
Ecology
Climate Science
Earth System Science
Environmental Modeling
Vegetation Science
Remote Sensing
Geospatial Science
Forestry
Landscape Ecology
Geography
Ecosystem Modeling
It is especially relevant for candidates who want to build a research career around climate change, wildfire dynamics, ecosystem modeling and satellite-based environmental analysis.
Why This Position Is Attractive
The major strength of this position is its combination of modeling and observational data.
Rather than focusing exclusively on either satellite observations or ecological modeling, the project brings both approaches together. The researcher will have the opportunity to work with large-scale datasets, advanced models and high-performance computing while addressing an important real-world environmental problem.
The collaboration between Leiden University and Utrecht University, together with the broader INFLAMES consortium, also provides an interdisciplinary research environment.
For researchers interested in developing expertise at the intersection of fire ecology, climate change and Earth observation, this is a particularly relevant opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the position offered by Leiden University?
Leiden University is offering a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Dynamic Vegetation Modeling and Satellite-Based Fire Analysis, vacancy number 16782.
2. Where is the position located?
The position is based in Leiden, Netherlands, at the Institute of Environmental Sciences within Leiden University's Faculty of Science.
3. What is the research focus?
The research focuses on wildfire dynamics, vegetation responses, climate interactions, fire-related non-CO₂ emissions and post-fire albedo changes, using dynamic vegetation models and satellite observations.
4. Is experience with remote sensing required?
Experience working with large geospatial datasets such as ERA5, CMIP6, Sentinel and MODIS is expected.
5. Is experience with Dynamic Global Vegetation Models required?
The vacancy states that experience with complex models and high-performance computing is expected, with DGVM experience considered particularly desirable.
6. What is the salary?
The gross salary is €3,546–€5,538 per month for a full-time 38-hour working week.
7. How long is the contract?
The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years.
8. What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is August 31, 2026.
9. What documents are required?
Applicants need to submit:
CV
Cover letter of maximum two pages
Names and contact details of at least two referees
10. Can I apply by email?
No. The vacancy states that applications must be submitted through the online recruitment system. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
11. When will interviews take place?
Interviews are scheduled for September 10, 2026, and will be conducted online.
12. Is this position suitable for an environmental science researcher?
Yes, provided the applicant can demonstrate relevant doctoral-level research experience and skills in areas such as environmental modeling, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, ecology, climate interactions or related fields.
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