PhD position – Satellite-Based Monitoring of Global Glacier Dynamics 80 %
Start of employment as soon as possible by mutual agreement, temporaryWe invite applications for a 4-year PhD position working on glacier change using a variety of geospatial data. The successful candidate will contribute to research and teaching at the Department of Geography, University of Zurich.
Context
Earth observation data are essential for monitoring global environmental change, especially in the cryosphere. Here, glaciers play a critical role in the global water and energy cycles, serving as essential freshwater reservoirs. As glaciers are increasingly threatened by climate change, monitoring their dynamics is key to managing freshwater resources, assessing local geohazard risks and developing climate adaptation strategies.
Project description
This PhD project focuses on monitoring global glacier change by analyzing satellite imagery to study snowline and albedo variations. The research aims to improve the understanding of glacier dynamics by monitoring changes in glacier facies (such as snow, ice and debris cover), determining snowline and albedo, and analyzing both spatial and temporal trends in these variables in different glaciated regions of the world. Using Google Earth Engine, the project will explore the potential of a variety of geospatial data (e.g. satellite data, topographic data, climatic data) to advance glacier mass balance modelling. In situ observations as well as airborne data will be also used to calibrate and validate spaceborne observations across different spatial scales. The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Geography in Zurich and will be supervised by Hendrik Wulf.
Your responsibilities
- Develop and implement research questions.
- Process and analyze multi-source geospatial data such as multi-spectral satellite data (e.g., optical, thermal, SAR), glacier data (e.g., ground observations, outlines, modelled mass balance data) and digital elevation models.
- Develop algorithms to improve glacial facies classification.
- Quantify and interpret spatial and temporal trends in glacier surface types and albedo change.
- Present research results at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the teaching of spatial data science courses.
- Collaborate with research partners.
Your profile
Very good skills in processing and analyzing geospatial data and advanced programming and computational skills (e.g. Python, Google Earth Engine) are required. A strong interest and possibly some experience in spatial data science, image processing, machine learning, change detection and trend analysis is expected. Excellent writing and communication skills in English are essential, as is a strong interest in working in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment.
The candidate will be based at the Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. The candidate is expected to work primarily in the office, with the flexibility to work remotely one day per week.
Information on your application
The employment should start as soon as possible by mutual agreement.The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. We will begin reviewing applications on 18 November.
If you are interested in this position and meet the requirements, we look forward to receiving your online application consisting of
- Cover letter (what excites you about this position, the work you have done and where you see your career going) (max two pages)
- Names and contact details (email) of 2 referees
- Curriculum vitae (max three pages)
- List of publications (if any)
- Master's certificate
- Weblink to Master Thesis
What we offer
What we offer
Further information
Questions about the job
Dr. Hendrik WulfThe University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html
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