We are looking for an ambitious post-doctoral researcher, who aspires to advance artificial intelligence methods for ecological modelling. The position is part of a national project that develops LTER-LIFE , a novel, large-scale research infrastructure for studying and predicting how changes in climate and other human-induced pressures affect ecosystems and biodiversity.

We are seeking a highly skilled, talented postdoc to join our interdisciplinary LTER-LIFE team, and contribute towards new AI methods for improving ecological research. Responsibilities include designing and evaluating AI solutions, and working on emerging AI methods including generative models, large language models, or causal machine learning. Strong communication, writing skills, and teamwork are essential.

You will work here
You will join the Artificial Intelligence (AIN) group, a newly established chairgroup within Wageningen University that aspires to advance artificial intelligence methods for addressing global challenges in a responsible way. With three faculty and more than 20 postdocs and Ph Ds, the Artificial Intelligence group is an emerging community of AI researchers aiming to advance methods and conduct use-inspired, applied research in close cooperation with domain experts in the environmental, social and life sciences. We offer a diverse, collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

You will be supervised by Prof. dr. Ioannis Athanasiadis (Wageningen University) and work together with other consortium partners from Dutch research institutes and universities (e.g. Netherlands Institute of Ecology NIOO-KNAW, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research NIOZ, and University of Amsterdam). You will also interact with data scientists, developers and software engineers from other project partners (e.g. Netherlands e Science Center, SURF, DANS-KNAW, NDFF, NLBIF, Datahuis Wadden). 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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, per week;
• 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 December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €3.345 and €6.148 for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10-11 depending on background and experience). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. Initially, we offer you a two-year contract, which will then be extended to an open-ended contract if there is mutual enthusiasm. Of course, we would be happy to discuss this with you if you have any questions.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs 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. 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. As an ideal candidate, you are a curious, creative scientist and problem solver who is interested in proposing new AI solutions to address relevant ecological problems together with domain scientists.

Specifically, you have:

• a Ph D degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, ecological, environmental or agricultural science, remote sensing, or a similar relevant field;
• demonstrated experience in applied machine learning, preferably with published experience with either generative methods, LLMs, timeseries forecasting for remote sensing, or ecological applications;
• proficiency in programming in Python and experience in pytorch, scikit-learn or related modern machine learning libraries;
• experience with working with big data from multiple structured and unstructured sources; experience with high performance computing will be a plus;
• a high motivation, self-driven curiosity alongside enthusiasm to work in a highly dynamic interdisciplinary and multi-cultural team towards a common objective;
• Excellent publications in peer-reviewed academic journals, and respected conferences;
• Strong motivation in developing AI solutions for supporting ecological research

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C2 level. For more information about this position, please contact Ioannis Athanasiadis, Professor of Artificial Intelligence by e-mail: ioannis.athanasiadis@wur.nl, with title “LTER-LIFE- Postdoc position”.
For more information about the procedure, please contact psg.vacaturemeldingen@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including Monday November 11th 2024. We plan to schedule the first job interviews on the week starting Monday November 18th 2024. The intended starting date of this position is 1st January, 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

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.