PhD Student - Department of Plants and Crops

Last application date Dec 10, 2024 00:00

Department LA21 - Department of Plants and Crops

Contract Limited duration

Degree Master's degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biology or Geography

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Job description

Ghent University is a world of its own. More than 15,000 employees work there every day in education and research, management and administration, technical and social services, etc. For them, Ghent University is a logical choice: it is one of the largest, most exciting and future-oriented employers in the region. Ghent University has 11 faculties and more than 100 departments, which offer high-quality and research-supported courses in each of the scientific disciplines.
Your assignment
We are looking for a motivated PhD student (1+3 years appointment). As a PhD student, you will spend at least 90% of your time conducting scientific research, other tasks include supporting the Department of Plant and Crops and the Department of Environment for research, education or services.
The research is part of the Horizon-RIA project FOODTURE. This project focuses on a correct quantification of our food system. For your research, we will investigate how we can use remote sensing technology for a better estimation of the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of small landscape elements (SLEs) in an agricultural landscape. To this end, we are building on our research on biodiversity in agricultural landscapes in Europe. In these areas, we will use remote sensing with drones and satellites to train new models that can characterize the small landscape features in more detail. In addition, we are investigating whether we can use thermal remote sensing to estimate the current state of these small landscape elements.
As a PhD student, you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of research groups from the UAV Research Centre (URC) and the Forest & Nature Lab (ForNaLab) at Ghent University. You will also work closely with the national and international partners of the European project.
Your tasks as a PhD student:

• Answering research questions such as: can we estimate microclimate and biodiversity in wooded edges using thermal and other remote sensing data from drones?
• Answerng research questions such as: to what extent is the microclimate of small landscape elements linked to their biodiversity?
• Using deep learning methods to classify small landscape features based on high-resolution satellite data
• Coordinating drone flight campaigns, data processing and analysis;
• You are willing to travel for national or international fieldwork, conferences and project meetings.
• You will be an integral part of the research groups URC (www.urc.ugent.be) and ForNaLab (www.fornalab.ugent.be) and help build a positive, motivating working environment.

Job profile

Your profile

• You have a relevant degree, namely a Master's degree in Bioscience Engineering, Geography or Biology.
• You speak and write English fluently and preferably also Dutch, or are willing to learn this in the short term;
• You have a basic knowledge of remote sensing;
• You have a basic knowledge and strong interest in biodiversity and land, forest and nature management;
• You have a basic knowledge of programming;
• Affinity with and interest in sustainable agriculture are highly recommended;
• You can work autonomously;
• You can work well together, both within an international context and with people with a different background;
• You are highly organized and have an eye for detail. You also have the necessary patience to build and carry out PhD research.
• Previous work experience is not necessary, but it is recommended;

Our offer

• We offer a full-time appointment as a PhD candidate, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation - is extended to a maximum of 48 months in total.
• Start date preferably from 1 January 2025.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The amount of the individual grant is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A scholarship that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered to be exempt from personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University employees enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and training opportunities, 36 vacation days of vacation leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented with annual fixed bridging days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all employee benefits.
• There is also a second vacancy for a full-time PhD student in the same research groups, and for a similar profile. Candidates for both profiles will be selected together. Applying for one of the two profiles is sufficient, but you can mention your preference in the motivation letter.

How to apply

You can apply by email to Professor Wouter Maes (wouter.maes@ugent.be) by 10 December at the latest. We do not accept late applications.
You need to attach the following documents to your application:

• 'CV': your CV and an overview of the study results obtained
• 'Motivation letter': your motivation letter in PDF format
• 'Diploma': a copy of the required diploma (if already in your possession). If you have a diploma in a language other than Dutch, French, German or English, please add a translation in one of these languages.

Ghent University has an equal opportunities and diversity policy and therefore encourages everyone to apply.
More information?
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Wouter Maes (wouter.maes@ugent.be, +32 485508999) or Prof. Pieter De Frenne (Pieter.DeFrenne@UGent.be, +32 9 264 9036).