PostDoc on developing new soil moisture maps using artificial intelligence

Department of Forest Ecology and Management
The department includes 90 people of about 10 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to progress the principles of forest ecosystem management. For more information, https://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Science, the Department of Forest Ecology and Management, is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoc position in hydrological mapping with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. The project is aimed at reducing leakage of unwanted substances to the Baltic Sea and the research group is led by PI associate professor Anneli Ågren. The project is a collaboration between several projects linked to environmental monitoring and collaboration with agencies such as Swedish Geological Survey and the Swedish Forest Agency.

Project background and aims:

The poor representation of the small-scale hydrology on maps is a worldwide problem. In Sweden, for example, 64 % of wet areas in the forest and >80% of running waters are missing on current maps. Forest management carried out close to streams and lakes, may increase the export of sediments, mercury and nutrients to downstream environments. Buffers and machine free areas near streams and lakes are commonly used to protect surface waters and mitigate excess leaching of unwanted substances to the sea. However, implementing these protective measures in practice can be complicated due to insufficient planning tools. With new better maps the planning of off-road driving, bioenergy extraction or design of forest buffers can be improved and thereby reduce the export of unwanted substances. In a pilot study we generated a machine learning model that could produce more accurate maps (84% accuracy).

Duties:
The main aim of the project is to develop the next generation of digital soil and hydrological maps (for stream networks and soil moisture) by combining high resolution digital elevation models with machine learning.

Qualifications:
The project is interdisciplinary in its nature and the doctoral degree could be in soil science, computer science, biostatistics or a subject relevant for the position.  

Experience with the following topics is considered a merit:

1) Digital soil mapping, 2) Geographical information systems, 3) Demonstrable knowledge with programing mainly Python and R, 4) Experience with Machine Learning, 5) Good statistics or math skills. Since research is conducted in an international research environment, the ability to collaborate and contribute to teamwork, and a very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, are key requirements.

A post-doc position is part of the career-path for junior researchers, therefore we are searching for candidates with a doctoral degree less than three years old (excluding parental leave). 

Place of work:
Umeå

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-05-08, use the button below.

The application should contain the following two items written in English: 1) a cover letter describing yourself, your motivation for applying for the position, and a short description of what you want to work on during the post doc position, and why; (maximum 1 A4 page) 2) a CV describing your education, publications, and relevant work experience; and 3) a list of names and contact information for two references. 4) PhD certificate.

We particularly invite female candidates to apply to ensure gender balance.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.