Vegetation modelling scientist

Welcome to Rayference

Rayference is a Brussels-based SME active in research and development for radiative transfer modelling, satellite data processing and advanced retrieval algorithm development based on inverse modelling. We provide expertise in remote sensing data radiometric calibration and apply new metrological concepts to satellite observations dedicated to climate and environment monitoring.

Your role

We are hiring a Vegetation modelling scientist to support our Earth Observations activities. As an expert in plant physiognomy and plant architecture, you will contribute to the development of an open-source biome generator within the ESA-funded DTE-S2GOS project. The objective is to design biologically accurate 3D structural models for selected IGBP land-cover biomes and to support the definition of key parameters governing canopy architecture, vegetation diversity, vertical stratification and seasonal variability. In this position, you will:

• Provide scientific expertise on plant architecture, branching patterns, crown morphology and canopy structural variability.
• Support the definition of biome-specific structural and radiative parameters to support 3D radiative transfer modelling in the vegetation.
• Contribute to the design of procedural rules for vegetation generation using methods and tools such as L-systems, PlantGL, L-Py, or Blender.
• Review and validate the realism of generated vegetation structures using botanical knowledge and reference data (TLS, ecological studies).
• Advise on species selection and parameter ranges for biome prototypes.
• Participate in progress meetings and contribute to documentation.

You will be part of a small, dynamic, and international team, where English is the working language. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge scientific challenges, with flexibility, autonomy, and room for professional growth.

What you bring

Essential qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent experience in plant biology, agronomy, geography, functional–structural plant modelling, forest ecology, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of land cover and land use datasets, plant architecture, crown development, and canopy structure.
• Familiarity with structural modelling methods and tools (e.g., Functional–Structural Plant Models (FSPMs), L-systems, PlantGL, OpenAlea, AMAP models) is a strong asset.
• Good understanding of basic principles of radiation transfer modelling in the vegetation.
• Demonstrated expertise in Python with a good ability to collaborate with software engineers and remote-sensing scientists.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

What makes you stand out

• Experience with 3-D plant datasets (TLS, photogrammetry, or ecological inventories)
• Excellent skills to fulfil the assigned tasks with great level of autonomy and sense of responsibility.
• Ability to plan your work and to cope with tight schedules and multiple tasks.
• Good sense of teamwork.
• The ability to write accurate and consistent technical documentation and a strong interest for scientific topics such as numerical computing.

What we offer

At Rayference, you will work with a small, young and international team, in a flexible professional environment. We provide opportunities to make an impact in addressing important scientific and societal challenges linked to climate monitoring and Earth Observation. You will collaborate with passionate and talented colleagues with whom you will share regular team bonding activities. We offer a competitive package, and we value work-life balance; this is why we offer a flexible schedule and the possibility to teleworking from abroad. We believe in a long-term vision, supporting our staff in developing their best skills and building a career in this field.

The salary for this role ranges from 3.800€ to 4.300€ gross monthly (about 53k € to 60k € annually), depending on experience and qualifications. We offer a range of benefits to support our employees’ well-being, work-life balance, and financial security, such as transportation support, internet and phone connection and teleworking allowance.

How to apply

Please send to recruitment@rayference.eu:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, highlighting relevant qualifications and achievements, and including links to examples of relevant prior works;
• a detailed CV;
• email address and affiliations of 2 references.

Only applications sent to this email address will be considered. All documents shall be provided in English. Any questions related to this position can be sent to the same email address. Applications from women are encouraged.