This project focuses on the development, validation, and integration of non-destructive plant sensing technologies. The goal is to enable data-driven—and ultimately autonomous—crop management in greenhouse and vertical farming systems. The research institute aims to improve Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) system design and crop management by developing technologies that serve plants, people, and planet.
This is achieved by integrating data from plant sensors, production systems, and environmental conditions into advanced models and dashboards.
What you do
In this position, you will work within a European collaborative project focused on developing advanced sensing and modeling approaches for CEA systems. Your research will involve the deployment of:
- Non-invasive sensors to monitor canopy light interception in greenhouse environments
- Spectral sensing in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) range to estimate sugar and starch content, chlorophyll levels, and plant water status
- AI-based computer vision systems to monitor crop development
- Integrated sensing frameworks that combine multiple data streams into efficient decision-support tools for growers
The data collected through these approaches will be integrated into crop growth and transpiration models. Initial experiments will be conducted in university growth chambers and greenhouse facilities, followed by validation in commercial-scale greenhouse operations in both the Netherlands and Belgium. You will work in close collaboration with a sensor engineering department and an advanced computer science department.
Beyond your core research activities, you will contribute to ongoing projects within the research institute and collaborate on topics such as data acquisition and analysis. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching within a newly established MSc programme in Crop Biotechnology and Engineering.
What they ask
- A PhD in a relevant field, such as plant science, crop science, agricultural engineering, biosystems engineering, horticulture, applied physics, data science or a related discipline
- Demonstrable research experience in at least one of the following areas: crop modelling, plant sensing or data-driven crop management
- Demonstrable experience in translating research insights into practical applications and collaborating with academic and industry partners in the context of CEA systems
- Experience with Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), greenhouse cultivation or another relevant controlled growing environment
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (minimum C1 level, CEFR)
Desired.
- Experience in teaching, outreach, or international research networks
- Proficiency in Dutch
Profile
- A creative and proactive researcher with a strong interest in the future of digital and autonomous agriculture
- A clear vision of next-generation CEA systems
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment
- Enjoys working with people from different disciplines, such as crop physiologists and plant scientists
Practical
- Regular travel to locations across the Randstad region in the Netherlands and Belgium is part of this position (at least once a week)
How to apply
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