Postdoc position in satellite measurements of sea ice dynamics

Curiosity is the driving force behind the research at the Department of Earth and Space Sciences and our goal is to find new knowledge about space, our Earth and our future energy supply. Through observations of the universe as well as Earth, we make predictions about the future and promote sustainable development. To reach our goals, we develop highly sensitive measuring instruments and observational methods, as well as advanced algorithms for data analysis and theoretical models.

The department has roughly 120 employees, divided into seven research groups, one national facility and one administrative group. We are situated at Chalmers campus Johanneberg and at Onsala Space Observatory.

The postdoc position is located within the Radar Remote Sensing group at the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. The Radar Remote Sensing group investigates new techniques and models for Earth observation based on radar systems. The main research theme is space- and airborne synthetic aperture radar for Earth observation and algorithms for parameter retrieval.

Information about the research project
Information about sea ice conditions in general and ice dynamics in particular is essential for our understanding of the Earth's system as well as for support to marine operations. Sea ice induces or influences a number of processes, such as exchange of heat, matter, and momentum between atmosphere and ocean and is defined as one of the “Essential Climate Variables” (ECVs) by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Steering Committee. For efficient ship navigation and for identifying any hazards for offshore activities, sea ice conditions are continuously monitored. Ice services in various countries provide forecasts of ice conditions based on computer models and regional ice charts that are produced from satellite imagery, air reconnaissance data and ship reports.

The aim of this research project is to improve measurements of ice drift with satellite radar to better handle summer conditions and sea ice in the dynamic marginal ice zone (MIZ). Building on algorithms for ice drift retrieval from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, a number of products will be derived related to ice deformation (e.g. ice convergence/divergence, shear, etc.) and localization of leads and ridges. The project also includes assessments of how information from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitted from ships may be used for measurements of ice dynamics and how interferometric SAR may be used to measure deformation in connection to land fast sea ice. Developed algorithms and derived products will be evaluated and tested for applications in sea ice modelling and maritime transport.

Major responsibilities
- Testing and improvement of available sea ice drift algorithm for summer conditions and marginal ice.
- Development of SAR based deformation products from sea ice drift
- Development of SAR based algorithm for lead and ridge detection
- Implementation of interferometric SAR methods for analysis of deformation of land fast sea ice and pack ice
- Assimilation of AIS position data from ships into lead detection algorithm
- Evaluation of performance of developed and implemented algorithms and methods
- Adaptation and testing of the algorithems for applications in sea ice modelling and in maritime transport

Progress and results shall be documented in project reports. As part of the scientific dissemination it is also expected that the postdoc publish results in renowned scientific journals and at international conferences. Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position may also include supervision of master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify as a candidate for the postdoc position you must have a Ph.D. degree in remote sensing, physical oceanography, electrical engineering, computer science or related disciplines and you must have a solid theoretical background in mathematics, physics, statistical analysis and programming. The degree should generally not be older than three years. A genuine interest and curiosity in the subject matter and excellent analytical skills are needed. The candidate must have experience of algorithm development in, e.g., Matlab and of organizing data for statistical analysis. The position requires good verbal and written communication skills in English and documented experience of writing scientific publications. Experience in processing and analysis of data from satellites, in situ measurements or oceanographic/meteorological models is regarded as an advantage for the position. Knowledge in radar signal processing, physical oceanography, meteorology, ship navigation or image processing and image analysis techniques is also a merit.

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

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



Application deadline: 15th of October, 2016

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Leif Eriksson, Radar Remote Sensing, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, leif.eriksson@chalmers.se, +46 31 772 4856