Postdoc position in satellite observations for ship navigation

Information about the research/the project/the division
The postdoc position is located within the Radar Remote Sensing group at the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. The research will be done in a joint project with the Department of Shipping and Marine Technology.

Information about the research project:

Currently, one of the largest challenges in the maritime industry is to develop energy efficient measures to reduce fuel cost and air emissions, as well as to enhance the safety of a ship/cargoes when sailing at sea. It is well-known that weather routing and voyage optimisation are two of the most efficient solutions, while today the two concepts require further research and innovative developments to deliver high quality service to solve those challenges. The purpose of this EU R&D project is to develop a sail plan service combining these two concepts. Through the cooperation between the two departments, we will develop solutions to use Earth observations to provide more reliable forecasts of weather and sea environment to the sail plan system.

The details of the departmental research activities at the department of Earth and Space Sciences may be found at http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/rss/Pages/default.aspx

The details of the departmental research activities at the Department of Shipping and Marine Technology may be found at http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/smt/Pages/default.aspx

Major responsibilities
The post doc will be responsible for:

- Assessment of new and upcoming Earth observation sensors, products and services that can provide oceanographic and meteorological information to support weather routing and voyage optimisation.
- Development, implementation and validation of algorithms for extraction of oceanographic and meteorological information from selected Earth observation sensors, products and services.
- Supporting implementation and validation of the data processing chain from Earth observation data to sail plan.
The project will require interaction and close collaboration with project partners and end users in the integration of oceanographic and meteorological information into the sail plan service. Progress and results shall be documented in project reports and presented at regular project 

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 or oceanographic/meteorological observations and models is regarded as an advantage for the position. Knowledge in physical oceanography, meteorology, ship navigation, optimisation methods, big data analysis or image processing techniques is also a merit.

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

Application deadline: 12th of October, 2016

*** 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 eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!