Doctoral Researcher in Climate-Land-Environment Interactions

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Luxembourg Centre for Socio-Environmental Systems strives to grow into an internationally recognised research hub for a sustainable and equitable world. Our goal is to help societies to transition to environmentally friendly and just conditions. At the core is the recognition that global environmental disruptions such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion are closely linked with societal systems. To address these complex issues, we take a systemic approach and study the interconnectedness of human activities and the environment. Our mission is to develop sustainable, socially just, and environmentally friendly solutions by bridging disciplines and fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and society.

Your role

The research of this doctoral thesis is to investigate how implementing land management measures improve sustainability and climate adaptability from local case studies in regions of the Global South. This should advance understanding of the climate‑nexus framework that assesses soil, water, biodiversity, and ecosystem‑service indicators to capture the dynamics of coupled human-environment systems. The study is part of the Climate Nexus Framework project at the University of Luxembourg, funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity of Luxembourg.

With this research you will:

• face the challenge to scientifically synthesize previously collected knowledge - such as scientific publications or the databases of the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT)
• assess how various climate change adaption & mitigation strategies contribute to guide and prioritize climate finance

You will have the opportunity to shape your own PhD topic within the framework of the project, for example:

• Develop methodology to investigate how land management methods can be scaled and transferred globally, contributing to methodological innovation in transferability analysis
• Explore which multidimensional interactions between land, climate, and environmental processes best support effective climate‑adaptation and sustainability strategies
• Develop composite metrics that promote environmental stewardship while strengthening the strategic alignment between climate action and socio-economic resilience

Your profile

• A master's degree in environmental sciences or engineering, geography, landscape ecology, agriculture sciences or related disciplines
• Skills in:
  • Data analysis and programming (Python, R)
  • Analyze and assessment of environmental monitoring data, including satellite-based observations as well as qualitative information
• Experience with AI-based synthesis of documents is considered an advantage

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• One-page proposal outlining a potential PhD topic related to the project

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08257

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 43445 (full time).