Postdoc Position in Sustainable Development
Utrecht University
Netherlands
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
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The Global Carbon Budget (GCB) has high uncertainty (~60%) due to land-use and land-cover change (LULCC).
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The CLARiTy project aims to reduce uncertainties in LULCC emissions using advanced datasets, process-based understanding, and modeling.
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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).
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Goal: reconcile GCB estimates with national greenhouse gas inventories and contribute to the Global Stocktake under UNFCCC.
Key Responsibilities
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Improve and extend the HYDE dataset using high-resolution Earth Observation data (HILDA+).
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Develop and implement land-use and land-cover modeling frameworks.
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Collaborate with international experts (Utrecht University, Wageningen University, KIT Germany).
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Contribute to publication of results and reports for the GCB.
Candidate Profile
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PhD in: Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Climate Science, Remote Sensing, or related field (completed by start date).
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Experience with Earth System Models and modeling workflows.
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Knowledge/interest in carbon cycling, land-use emissions, land cover dynamics, and climate change.
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Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Python or similar programming language.
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Excellent communication skills in English.
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Motivated team player with experience in modeling or programming.
Offer / Benefits
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Contract for 3 years (initial 1-year contract with assessment for extension).
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Gross monthly salary: €3,546 – €5,538 (CAO NU, scale 10).
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.
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Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms.
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Professional development, leave options, sports & cultural activities.
Application
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Submit CV and motivation letter via Utrecht University’s application portal.
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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.
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
