Key Skills

Job Description

Your job How can we leverage the latest developments in artificial intelligence to address complex spatial challenges? And how can we develop new GeoAI methods that contribute to research on climate, biodiversity, and sustainable land use? As a Senior GeoAI Expert at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), you will work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, geographic information, and environmental research. You will develop innovative research directions, bring together scientific expertise, and build collaborations both within and beyond WUR. You will have the opportunity to play a leading role in a rapidly evolving research field. Through your scientific vision and expertise, you will contribute to the further development of GeoAI within WUR and help build a research group that creates new opportunities for spatial and environmental research. Your tasks You combine expertise in GeoAI, data science, and the physical environment. You identify opportunities for new AI applications and translate them into impactful research. You Will Develop research lines and acquire new projects and funding opportunities. Lead multidisciplinary research teams and manage projects from concept to completion. Connect colleagues within Wageningen Environmental Research and WUR with government agencies and industry partners. Build collaborations where science, technology, and practice reinforce one another. Support researchers in applying advanced GeoAI methods. Disseminate research results through scientific publications, conference presentations, and stakeholder- and client-oriented communication formats. You will work on topics that directly affect our living environment, such as land use, climate adaptation, biodiversity monitoring, and ecosystem management. In doing so, you will translate advanced AI technologies into applications that contribute to a sustainable future. Your Team You will join Applied Spatial Research, a diverse team bringing together a wide range of expertise, including: AI researchers Software developers Cartographers Landscape architects Specialists in spatial data and data quality What unites us is spatial data. We operate at the intersection of policy, science, and technology, seeking smart spatial solutions for a sustainable and economically responsible future at local, national, and international levels. We believe that the best solutions emerge when different perspectives come together. That is why we work interdisciplinarily and actively seek collaboration with colleagues, partners, and professionals from other fields who are addressing the same challenges from different angles. Your qualities To further strengthen our expertise in GeoAI, we are looking for an experienced researcher with vision, entrepreneurial drive, and leadership qualities. Someone who not only understands what is possible today but also recognizes the opportunities of tomorrow. You Bring A PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, or another relevant technical discipline. Three to five years of experience in knowledge development, applied research, IT projects, and/or innovation processes. Experience leading multidisciplinary projects and securing funding for research initiatives. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (C1 level (https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale)), including experience in presenting and publishing research results; A collaborative mindset and the ability to provide direction through vision, trust, and leadership. If you do not yet meet every requirement but do bring solid professional experience, strong subject-matter expertise, and ambition, we still encourage you to apply. We view challenges as opportunities for growth and development. We offer Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment (https://www.wur.nl/en/jobs/conditions-of-employment). A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include: working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance; sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave; there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee; a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%; excellent pension scheme. In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €4.938,- and €7.337,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 12). Additionally, for this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. We initially offer a one-year contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the organisation’s financial situation. We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Coming from abroad Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center (https://wcfv.nl/en/home/global/our-services/happy-landing-and-living/). This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job. Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community (https://www.wur.nl/en/jobs/expats-new-international-staff)page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands. Important information For more information about the position, please contact Wies Vullings, Team manager, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via [email protected] Ready to apply? Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered. You can apply up to and including 16 November 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 26 October 2026. Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date. Procedure As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure. Welcome, safe, and valued Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization. We are The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines. Read the 5 reasons (https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs/Why-choose-WUR.htm) why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus! We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

Core Responsibilities

Develop GeoAI research directions and projects, secure funding, and lead multidisciplinary teams working on spatial and environmental challenges. Build collaborations across WUR and with external partners, support researchers in applying advanced GeoAI methods, and communicate findings through publications, presentations, and stakeholder-focused formats.

Requirements

A PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, or another relevant technical discipline is required, along with three to five years of experience in knowledge development, applied research, IT projects, or innovation. Candidates should have experience leading multidisciplinary projects and securing research funding, excellent English communication skills at C1 level, and the ability to provide collaborative vision and leadership.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours
• Sabbatical Leave
• Study Leave
• Partially Paid Parental Leave
• Campus Sports Facilities
• Year-End Bonus
• Pension Scheme
• Professional Development
• Internal Mobility Support
• Immigration Procedure Assistance
• Dual Career Support for Partners
• International Employee Support