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Utrecht University
Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning
Hours per week: 36 to 40
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
Interested in how geospatial data science and GeoAI can be applied to investigate health system resilience under the rising pressure of polycrisis? Excited about developing spatial models and GeoAI systems to create resilient health systems and reduce health disparities?
Your job
At Utrecht University, you will be part of the Health Geography group as a postdoctoral researcher. You will harmonize diverse spatial data and develop geospatial analytical models and GeoAI approaches, notably on research related to health system resilience. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to investigate how geodatabases and spatial models can be combined with other approaches such as participatory engagements to reduce health system vulnerabilities and spatial disparities in health care provision.
Your main responsibilities include:
- integrating multi-source datasets, including GIS data, and qualitative insights;
- developing reproducible spatial analytical and GeoAI pipelines to investigate health system resilience and health disparities;
- designing scenario-based spatial models to investigate future risks and resilience of the health system and health disparities under polycrisis;
- evaluating and improving model performance, explainability, fairness, and robustness;
- collaborating with health system experts and practitioners in participatory workshops;
- developing an interactive, publicly accessible map-based web interface;
- publishing high-quality scientific articles in international journals;
- presenting findings at conferences and stakeholder events;
- contributing to supervision of MSc students.
Your qualities
We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with a strong technical background and an interest in societal impact. You have:
- a PhD in GIScience, geoinformatics, spatial data science, spatial analytics, or a related field;
- experience with diverse spatial analytical methods;
- strong programming skills (e.g., Python) and version control (e.g., GitHub);
- experience working with multi-source geospatial data (e.g., network, satellite);
- experience with GIS and GeoAI-related model development and evaluation;
- an interest in GIScience, health inequality and health system resilience;
- strong communication and academic writing skills;
- the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
Experience with one or more of the following is considered an advantage:
- Familiarity with Dutch data portals (e.g., PDOK, CBS);
- WebGIS application development
- Conducting participatory workshops and scenario-based games (e.g., serious games).
Our offer
We offer:
- a position (1.0 FTE) for 12 months. After a positive evaluation, the position can be extended to 22 months;
- a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.706 and €5.760 (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth, flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment.
About us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.
More information
For more information, please contact SM Labib at s.m.labib@uu.nl
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Vening Meineszgebouw A, the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send, via the ‘apply now’ button:
- a motivation letter (max. 1.5 pages);
- your curriculum vitae;
- contact details of two referees;
- one representative publication or project example.
Interviews will take place late November, 2026.
The start date is January 1, 2027.
The application deadline is 15 November 2026.