Postdoc position in satellite observations of the ocean surface

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. At Chalmers we will develop solutions to use Earth observations to provide more reliable forecasts of weather and sea environment to the sail plan system.

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.

The Department of Earth and Space Sciences has roughly 110 employees, divided into seven research groups and one administrative group. 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 is host for Onsala Space Observatory, the Swedish National Facility for Radio Astronomy, and for Chalmers e-Science Centre. 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.

The Department of Shipping and Marine Technology offers a coherent education and research in a wide range of areas such as maritime environment, human factors, hydrodynamics, marine structures and maritime safety. Our research helps to improve the efficiency of vessels and their safety, the marine environment and the working environment for the crew. The department is responsible for three master programs, educating master mariners, marine engineers and shore-based personnel in shipping. The department currently has about 90 employees, of whom 80 are researchers and teachers at our two research divisions. Here we have the most comprehensive simulation centre for marine transport, cargo handling, navigation and communication.

Major responsibilities
The post doc will be responsible for

- Development, implementation and validation of algorithms for extraction of waves, currents and winds at the ocean surface from selected Earth observation sensors and products.
- Assessment of new and upcoming Earth observation sensors, products and services that can provide information about waves, currents, winds and temperature at the ocean surface to support weather routing and voyage optimisation.
- 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 meetings. 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 supervising 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 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 procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160342 and written in English.


Application deadline: 31 January 2017

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Leif Eriksson, Radar Remote Sensing, Department of Earth and Space Sciences,  
Leif.Eriksson@chalmers.se, +46 31 772 48 56