Postdoc Position in Sustainable Development (Utrecht University)

Institution: Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences Department: Department of Sustainable Development Location: Utrecht, Netherlands Contract Type: Fixed-term, initially 1 year with extension to 3 years Hours: 36–40 hours/week Application Deadline: 9 January 2026 Contact: Dr. Kees Klein Goldewijk – c.g.m.kleingoldewijk@uu.nl Project Overview The Global Carbon Budget (GCB) has high uncertainty (~60%) due to land-use and land-cover change (LULCC). The CLARiTy project aims to reduce uncertainties in LULCC emissions using advanced datasets, process-based understanding, and modeling. Focus on improving the HYDE historical land-use dataset and connecting it with HILDA+ Earth Observation data to better quantify historical land use classes (forest, grasslands, barren land). Goal: reconcile GCB estimates with national greenhouse gas inventories and contribute to the Global Stocktake under UNFCCC. Key Responsibilities Improve and extend the HYDE dataset using high-resolution Earth Observation data (HILDA+). Develop and implement land-use and land-cover modeling frameworks. Collaborate with international experts (Utrecht University, Wageningen University, KIT Germany). Contribute to publication of results and reports for the GCB. Candidate Profile PhD in: Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Climate Science, Remote Sensing, or related field (completed by start date). Experience with Earth System Models and modeling workflows. Knowledge/interest in carbon cycling, land-use emissions, land cover dynamics, and climate change. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Python or similar programming language. Excellent communication skills in English. Motivated team player with experience in modeling or programming. Offer / Benefits Contract for 3 years (initial 1-year contract with assessment for extension). Gross monthly salary: €3,546 – €5,538 (CAO NU, scale 10). 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus. Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms. Professional development, leave options, sports & cultural activities. Application Submit CV and motivation letter via Utrecht University’s application portal. Deadline: 9 January 2026. This postdoc is ideal for candidates with a strong Earth System modeling background, interest in historical land-use emissions, and proficiency in Python for environmental research. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Institution: Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Sustainable Development
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Contract Type: Fixed-term, initially 1 year with extension to 3 years
Hours: 36–40 hours/week
Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
Contact: Dr. Kees Klein Goldewijk – c.g.m.kleingoldewijk@uu.nl

Project Overview

The Global Carbon Budget (GCB) has high uncertainty (~60%) due to land-use and land-cover change (LULCC).
The CLARiTy project aims to reduce uncertainties in LULCC emissions using advanced datasets, process-based understanding, and modeling.
Focus on improving the HYDE historical land-use dataset and connecting it with HILDA+ Earth Observation data to better quantify historical land use classes (forest, grasslands, barren land).
Goal: reconcile GCB estimates with national greenhouse gas inventories and contribute to the Global Stocktake under UNFCCC.

Key Responsibilities

Improve and extend the HYDE dataset using high-resolution Earth Observation data (HILDA+).
Develop and implement land-use and land-cover modeling frameworks.
Collaborate with international experts (Utrecht University, Wageningen University, KIT Germany).
Contribute to publication of results and reports for the GCB.

Candidate Profile

PhD in: Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Climate Science, Remote Sensing, or related field (completed by start date).
Experience with Earth System Models and modeling workflows.
Knowledge/interest in carbon cycling, land-use emissions, land cover dynamics, and climate change.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Python or similar programming language.
Excellent communication skills in English.
Motivated team player with experience in modeling or programming.

Offer / Benefits

Contract for 3 years (initial 1-year contract with assessment for extension).
Gross monthly salary: €3,546 – €5,538 (CAO NU, scale 10).
8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.
Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms.
Professional development, leave options, sports & cultural activities.

Application

Submit CV and motivation letter via Utrecht University’s application portal.
Deadline: 9 January 2026.

This postdoc is ideal for candidates with a strong Earth System modeling background, interest in historical land-use emissions, and proficiency in Python for environmental research.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Apply

All Jobs