The University of Twente wants to be an organisation that optimally deploys diversity, talents, and capabilities in the labour market for now and in the future. In the framework of our diversity and inclusiveness policy, we strongly stimulate people with a (work) disability to apply for this position.
The University of Twente is committed to providing a working environment where everyone is valued, respected, and supported to progress. Our priority is to ensure that no one is disadvantaged based on their ethnicity, gender, culture, disability, LGBTQ+ identities, family and caring responsibilities, age, or religion. We encourage everyone who shares these values to apply.
Your challenge
Water hyacinth is a free-floating plant that has invaded water bodies worldwide. It thrives in nutrient-rich waters and disrupts riparian communities by entangling fishing nets, blocking ship traffic, clogging drains and outlets, and preventing access to water. It may even be associated with disease transmission. But water hyacinth offers opportunities as well: for example as biofuel, fertilizer or handicrafts.
The position aims to use satellite data to improve the management of water hyacinth, and to improve living conditions around Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe with the help of satellite observations.
You will work on the development of a long-term water hyacinth (WHY) to cover data set from satellite observations for the target region, work on the investigation of causes of WHY infestation based on the satellite data set, and on the development of a WHY prediction tool. Besides that, you will also work on the creation of smartphone apps to inform water managers and local communities. Although your developments and analyses will be performed on a computer, one or more visits to the study site in Zimbabwe will be part of the project. You will collaborate with a PhD student addressing health-related aspects of WHY (also based at ITC/University of Twente) and with another PhD student focusing on possibilities of WHY exploitation, based at the University of Western Cape in South Africa.
Your profileFor more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Marloes Penning de Vries (email: [email protected]). You are also invited to visit our homepage.
Please submit your application before November 25, 2023. Your application should include:
1st round interviews are tentatively scheduled for the last week of November. A possible 2nd round interview will be scheduled when needed.
About the departmentThe Department of Water Resources (WRS) studies water systems and their relation with land use and climate through remote sensing, field instrumentation and modelling. We aim at capacity building of communities of water professionals, scientists and engineers that work toward a sustainable and resilient living environment.
About the organisationThe 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.
Want to know more? Penning de Vries, M.J.M. (Marloes)Assistant Professor
Penning de Vries, M.J.M. (Marloes)Assistant Professor
Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Marloes for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.
ContactPhone:+31534895461
Email:[email protected]
How to apply Step 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.
Step 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.
Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.
Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.
Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.
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