Research engineer on Artificial Intelligence for Ecological Digital Twins

Your job

We are looking for a talented, junior machine learning engineer, who can contribute to developing artificial intelligence solutions for Digital Twins of ecosystems. The position is part of a national project that develops LTER-LIFE , a novel, large-scale research infrastructure for studying and predicting how changes in climate and other human-induced pressures affect ecosystems and biodiversity.

We are seeking a highly skilled AI developer to join our interdisciplinary LTER-LIFE team. This role is crucial in developing and integrating AI technologies for ecological research. Responsibilities include developing, testing, and maintaining AI solutions, ensuring code quality, and working on innovative AI applications including generative models and chatbots. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

You will work here
You will join the Artificial Intelligence (AIN) group, a newly established chairgroup within Wageningen University that aspires to advance artificial intelligence methods for addressing global challenges in a responsible way. With three faculty and more than 20 postdocs and PhDs, the Artificial Intelligence group is an emerging community of AI researchers aiming to advance methods and conduct use-inspired, applied research in close cooperation with domain experts in the environmental, social and life sciences. We offer a diverse, collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

You will be supervised by Prof. dr. Ioannis Athanasiadis (Wageningen University) and work together with other consortium partners from Dutch research institutes and universities (e.g. Netherlands Institute of Ecology NIOO-KNAW, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research NIOZ, and University of Amsterdam). You will also interact with data scientists, developers and software engineers from other project partners (e.g. Netherlands eScience Center, SURF, DANS-KNAW, NDFF, NLBIF, Datahuis Wadden).

Your qualities

As an ideal candidate, you are a curious, creative scientist and problem solver who is interested in developing AI solutions to address relevant ecological problems together with domain scientists.
Specifically, you have:

• a M.Sc. degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, environmental or agricultural science, remote sensing, or a similar relevant field;
• demonstrated experience in applied machine learning, preferably with some experience with either generative methods, LLMs, timeseries forecasting for remote sensing, ecological  applications;
• proficiency in programming in Python and experience in pytorch, scikit-learn or related modern machine learning libraries;
• experience with working with big data from multiple structured and unstructured sources; experience with high performance computing will be a plus;
• a high motivation, self-driven curiosity alongside enthusiasm to work in a highly dynamic interdisciplinary and multi-cultural team towards a common objective;
• Strong motivation in developing AI solutions for supporting ecological research

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €3.345 and €5.278 for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. Initially, we offer you a two-year contract which will then be extended to an open-ended contract if there is mutual enthusiasm. Of course, we would be happy to discuss this with you if you have any questions.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19^th consecutive time.

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. 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 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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Ioannis Athanasiadis, Professor of Artificial Intelligence by e-mail at ioannis.athanasiadis@wur.nl, with title “LTER-LIFE- Research engineer position”.

For more information about the procedure, please contact psg.vacaturemeldingen@wur.nl.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 11^th of November 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on 18^th of November 2024. The intended starting date of this position is 1^st January, 2025.

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 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.