PhD Candidate In geo artificial intelligence for planetary health

Job description

Help us to further understand the interplay of global environmental change and people’s health by developing and applying cutting-edge geo-data engineering and geo-artificial intelligence methods.

Planetary Health, which focuses on the health of human civilization and the natural systems it relies on, underscores the interconnectedness between environmental issues and human well-being. Climate change is behind many environmental issues, such as heat waves, noise pollution, or longer or more intense pollen seasons that negatively affect human health. Even when data availability is increasing, modelling, and monitoring those environmental issues at meaningful spatiotemporal scales is challenging. Some challenges are related to data heterogeneity (including having to work with data at various spatial and temporal scales) and the general lack of data-driven approaches that can natively capture complex spatiotemporal relations.

You will develop and apply geo-data engineering and geo-artificial intelligence methods to data coming from a variety of sources, such as Earth observation and local/in-situ sensors, and citizens' perspectives to address environmental issues and quantify their effects on human health.

Your profile

• An MSc degree in computer science, geospatial sciences, urban planning, health sciences, or related field
• A strong passion for data and outstanding skills in data engineering or data science and experience with working with Python, R, or similar programming languages
• The ability to work on real-world problems in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment
• A background in geospatial modelling, machine learning or statistics
• Good communication skills and an excellent command of English. Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is a plus
• Knowledge and experience with ML design and implementation, working with multiple libraries/platforms (e.g., Pandas, Sklearn, Conda, Github, etc.)
• Experience with natural language processing, especially Large Language Models, is also a plus

Interested and motivated candidates are encouraged to apply, even when they still need to possess all desired skills. You can develop relevant skills on the job through dedicated learning and doctoral training.

Our offer

• An inspiring multidisciplinary, international and academic environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda
• Full-time position for 4 years
• A professional and personal development programme within Twente Graduate School
• Gross monthly salary of € 2,770.- in the first year that increases to € 3,539.- in the fourth year
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in case of full-time employment
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

Information and application

For more information about the position, you can contact Dr Rosa Aguilar (email: r.aguilar@utwente.nl).  You are also invited to visit our homepage.

Please submit your application before 5 June 2024. Your application should include:

• A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivation to apply for this position, and the environmental issue or change you want to address in your research
• Curriculum Vitae (including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained and the names and contact information of two references)
• A short description (150 – 250 words) of your last significant result (MSc thesis/final project report/EngD thesis) and a list of publications

Online (first round) job interviews will take place in the second half of June. Possible second-round interviews are expected to take place in the first week of July.

About the department

The geoinformation Processing Department (GIP) works on the design and development of methods & techniques for processing (acquiring, organizing, analysing) heterogeneous collections of spatio-temporal data, and in the implementation of open geo-information solutions (models, visualizations and services) that help to understand key societal problems.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation. Our mission is capacity development, where we apply, share and facilitate the effective use of geo-information and earth observation knowledge and tools for tackling global wicked problems. Our purpose is to enable our many partners around the world to track and trace the impact – and the shifting causes and frontiers – of today’s global challenges. Our vision is of a world in which researchers, educators, and students collaborate across disciplinary and geographic divides with governmental and non-governmental organisations, institutes, businesses, and local populations to surmount today’s complex global challenges and to contribute to sustainable, fair, and digital societies.