SD-26154-POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN LAND SURFACE MODELLING OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

Fixed term contract | Belvaux | 12 Months

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organization (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defense technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

The researcher will participate in two complementary projects focused on modelling forest ecosystem responses across seasonal to decadal timescales: SORTIE (Seasonal Forecast of Forest Status in Luxembourg), funded by the National Collaboration Program (NCP) of the Copernicus Climate Change Services, and HiDRATE (Integrating High resolution Data from Remote sensing And land surface models for Transpiration and Evaporation mapping), funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR). The overarching objective is to quantify the predictive capabilities of land surface models in capturing forest ecosystem responses under stress and to translate their outputs into diagnostic indicators. To address these challenges, both projects will jointly employ the latest version of the Community Terrestrial Systems Model (CTSM), multiple in situ measurements (e.g., sap flow, eddy-covariance fluxes, dendrometers), various Earth Observation (EO) data streams, and climate information across multiple temporal scales. The selected candidate will join the Remote Sensing and Natural Resources Modelling group of the Environmental Sensing and Modelling unit and will collaborate closely with the national project partner MeteoLux and the international project partner CESBIO.

The selected candidate will play a central role in both projects and their scientific outputs. The primary mission is to: (1) implement the CTSM model across multiple forest monitoring sites; (2) develop a robust analytical framework to assess model sensitivity to environmental drivers using in situ and EO data; and (3) synthesize model outputs into diagnostic indicators that integrate meteorological conditions, forest fluxes, phenological dynamics, biomass productivity, and forest health status. To accomplish these objectives, the candidate will apply advanced statistical methods and leverage high-performance computing (HPC) resources. The candidate will actively contribute to the dissemination, valorisation and transfer of project results. This will include presenting findings at national and international scientific conferences, publishing in reputable peer-reviewed journals, and communicating outcomes to relevant stakeholders. 

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• PhD degree in Environmental Science, Forest Science, or similar disciplines

Experience and skills

• Proven previous experience (minimum 2 years) in Land Surface Modelling

• Demonstrated expertise in forest ecosystem processes and their response to environmental drivers

• Knowledge of post-processing techniques and analysis of seasonal predictions and climate projections

• Experience in manipulating and analysing in-situ and Earth Observation data

• High proficiency in high-level scripting languages (e.g., Python)

• Proven previous experience in using High-Performance Computing

Language skills

• Fluency in English (and French), both oral and written. Other relevant languages are an asset.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square meters, including innovations in all that we do

• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 60 nationalities represented in our workforce

• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfill their personal and professional ambitions

• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

• Flexible working hours, home working policy (not remote) and access to Digital lunch vouchers

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

• A scientific CV with contact details

• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

As part of our recruitment process, the selected candidate might be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Further checks and restrictions might apply to candidates in compliance with export controls requirements

This position offers a gross monthly salary between EUR 6094 and EUR 6678, paid over 13 months (EUR 79.222 - EUR 86.814 annually) based on full-time employment. The final salary offer within this range will be determined based on the candidate's overall profile, qualifications and professional experience.

For part-time employment, the salary is adjusted pro rata.