Doctoral Researcher

At the University of Kassel, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Group Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources (Prof. Dr. Michael Wachendorf), the following position is to be filled by 01.10.2025:
Doctoral Researcher (m/w/d), EG 13 TV-H, part-time, temporary (currently 26 hours per week)
**Application deadline**:
28.07.2025
**Date of hire**: 01.10.2025
**vacancy number**: 38569
FOR5903 is a DFG Research Unit with a wide interdisciplinary and international scope, covering diverse dimensions of global urbanisation processes under the novel framework of “SustainabRurbanity”. In the context of this project, a doctoral position is available addressing “RurbanAgroforestry - Effects of tree-based agriculture on ecosystem services supply, distribution, and access in a rurban environment”. The position cannot be shared. The main place of service is Witzenhausen, but extended fieldwork in Morocco for several months per year will be required. Fitness for service in the tropics is, therefore, mandatory.
**Tasks**:

- Gather field data to enrich our understanding of land use land cover in urban-rural areas.
- Analysis satellite time series data to map past and present land use land cover and its changes.
- UAV-based image data and relevant agro-biodiversity parameter collection on tree-based agricultural fields.
- Develop machine/deep learning models to estimate agro-biodiversity variables using UAV images.
- Work in partnership with project partners to develop collaborative research outputs.
- Participation in project-related seminars and workshops, and in international conferences by presenting own results.

**Requirements**:

- Completed university degree (MSc or equivalent to 180 ECTS) in Geomatics, Geoinformatics of related fields. The required degree must be available by the recruitment date at the latest.
- Proficeiency in bulk geospatial data analysis using programming languages (e.g., Python, R) or cloud computing services (e.g., GEE).
- Substantial knowledge of developing machine/deep learning models particularly for analysing geospatial data.
- Experience in field-based GIS data collection (e.g., using GNSS) and UAV image acquisition.
- Familiarity with concepts and approaches of sustainability sciences (e.g., ecosystem services) and land use sciences.
- Fluency in the English language (proven by internet-based TOEFL of at least 80 points, IELTS, or equivalent language certificate).
- Experience in scientific writing and publishing.
- Ability and willingness to work in a dedicated team with an international and intercultural background in Morocco and Germany.

**Advantages are**:

- Experience in field surveys and data evaluation.
- Demonstrated experience in projects related to urban-rural vegetation analysis (e.g., agricultural, hedgerows)
- Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, scientifically rigorous results.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate effective collaboration with international partners.

For further information, refer to the project website
**Our Offer**:
As an employee of the University of Kassel
- you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
- you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
- you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
- is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

- an additional company pension (VBL),
- an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
- an annual bonus
- an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
- a promotion of voluntary commitment,
- low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de
FAQ
bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except whe