PhD student position in Space Geodesy

Information about the research group
The PhD position is in the research group for Space Geodesy and Geodynamics at the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. The main interests of the research group are geodynamic phenomena and atmospheric processes and the improvement of the associated measurement techniques.

• We study e.g. the deformation of the Earth’s crust due to mass redistribution, inter- and intra-plate tectonics, loading effects, reference frames, variations in earth orientation and rotation, and the spatial and temporal variation of atmospheric water vapour.
• We address these research topics using a variety of observational techniques and the corresponding theoretical work.
• Currently we use of the following techniques: geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, gravimeters, tide gauges, ground based microwave radiometers.
• We aim at an intensification of the space geodetic research, in particular in connection with the establishment of the Onsala Twin-Telescopes for VGOS.
• Our main working place is the Onsala Space Observatory, 40 km south of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology.
• The research group consists today of 5 senior researchers (Two professors, two associate professors, and one adjunct professor), and three doctoral students.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidate shall focus on research in space geodesy with the goal to improve global geodetic reference frames. The new concent of co-location in space shall be studied in connection to space geodetic techniques such as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), as well as existing and planned co-location satellites. The concept is expected to significantly improve the quality of satellite orbits and the terrestrial reference frame. The candidate shall perform analysis studies of co-location satellites in terms of orbital parameters and compatibility with existing and planned geodetic space techniques, as well as perform real observations with e.g. the space geodetic equipment available at the Onsala Space Observatory and in particular the new Onsala Twin Telescopes. The candidate is expected to acquire deep understanding of various aspects of VLBI and other (geodetic) instruments which are available at the Onsala Space Observatory. 

Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in English and in Swedish. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

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

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

The successful candidate should have a M.Sc. degree in Geodesy, Engineering Physics, Geophysics, Physics, Electronic Engineering or an equivalent education. Courses in space geodesy, orbit determination, adjustment theory, signal processing and statistics are highly relevant and a merit for the position but not a strict requirement are highly relevant and a merit for the position but not a strict requirement. The successful candidate shall have good knowledge in programming and should be able to deal with object-oriented code. Knowledge in Linux, C/C++, Python and shell scripting would be an asset. Basic knowledge in electronics, signal processing and statistical data analysis is desirable, too.

The successful applicant should also be able to communicate efficiently in written and spoken English. She/he shall have a general interest to learn new topics. The successful applicant should be highly motivated for research work, and able to work well both on her/his own and in groups of researchers. Previous research experience shall be well documented in a master's thesis project of high quality.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160589 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: 31 January 2017

For questions, please contact:
Rüdiger Haas
rudiger.haas@chalmers.se
+46 31-772 5530

Thomas Hobiger
thomas.hobiger@chalmers.se
+46 31 772 5549

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