PhD position in radar remote sensing of forest biomass and water dynamics

This position is an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in remote sensing based on radar data collected by BorealScat, a world-class tomographic tower radar facility developed by Chalmers, and air-/spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data.

Information about the research
The research objective is to understand the relationship between radar remote sensing data and the complex processes occurring in forests related to forest vitality and evapo-transpiration. Time series analysis will be used to model the radar data and develop algorithms for estimating forest variables, e.g. biomass, canopy and stem water content.

As a PhD student you will belong to the Division of Microwave and Optical Remote Sensing (MOF) at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE).

Major responsibilities
- Analysis, modeling and processing of data from radar and meteorological and other sensors with the purpose of understanding the physical origin of the features observed in the data.
- Reading to learn a wide range of concepts in physics, engineering, biology and earth science, and to stay up to date with current research. An interest and experience in data analysis and a good understanding of statistics is therefore essential.
- Communicating your research in the form of scientific articles and presentations.
- Contributing to periodic monitoring, technical maintenance and upgrades to the BorealScat facility (including field visits).
- Actively taking part in national and international collaboration (project, meetings, study visits and conferences).
- Elective courses
- Department work, e.g. teaching and education.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Mandatory:
M.Sc. degree in data science, engineering physics, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics or related disciplines. It is required that the degree has been obtained before the employment starts. Programming skills and experience with software, e.g. Matlab, Python, R, Julia. Communication and presentation skills in English.

Meritorious:
Courses in or experience from time-series analysis, spatial statistics, signal processing, electromagnetics, tree physiology. Communication skills in Swedish. Experience with microwave systems, radars, or radar remote sensing data. You should be willing to learn about tree physiology and electromagnetic scattering by reading textbooks and scientific articles and you are expected to actively explore new research directions and be willing to take initiative in their work.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210079 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 March, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Professor Lars Ulander, Microwave and Optical Remote Sensing, Department of Space, Earth and Environment
E-mail: lars.ulander@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7721843

Dr. Albert Monteith, Microwave and Optical Remote Sensing, Department of Space, Earth and Environment
E-mail: albert.monteith@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7722235

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!