Department of Geography

Senior Teaching and Research Assistant: Radar Remote Sensing for Water Systems Research
80-100 %

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative, and independent scientist with a passion for solving environmental science problems using remote sensing technology, and invite applications for a Senior Teaching and Research Assistant (Oberassistent) position.

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will initially contribute to the SNSF-Sinergia project “DeltAs - Evaluating delta-wide changes in geogenic arsenic (As) contamination under anthropogenic pressures: An integrated approach to assess groundwater vulnerability in Vietnam”. The project is a joint effort from Swiss scientists at ETH-Zurich (L. Winkel, A. Nghiem), University of Neuchatel (P. Renard), and the University of Zurich (UZH) (A. Damm-Reiser), and international partners from Vietnam and the US. A key responsibility of the position will be to develop workflows to assess the water balance and surface/ground water dynamics in the Mekong and the Red River delta, Vietnam, using SAR interferometry and other satellite remote sensing techniques. In addition, the successful candidate will complement our group's expertise with active (and passive) microwave remote sensing techniques to advance the study of water systems, will contribute to fundraising activities, and will be involved in teaching and supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD candidates in this area.

Your profile

The ideal candidate must hold a PhD degree in remote sensing, physics, electrical engineering, environmental science, or a related field, and should have the ambition to establish a scientific career. Substantial experience in working with radar remote sensing (e.g. SAR interferometry) and knowledge in other remote sensing technologies (e.g. GNSS reflectometry) is important. Excellent writing and communication skills in English are mandatory, knowledge of German is a substantial asset.

What we offer

We offer outstanding working conditions, a high quality of life in Zurich and an excellent support environment. UZH's Remote Sensing Laboratories are internationally renowned, have expertise in various domains such as spectroscopy, SAR, LiDAR, and thermal remote sensing, and apply remote sensing technologies in a variety of application fields such as water systems research, earth systems science, and biodiversity.

Place of work

The successful applicant will be member of the Remote Sensing of Water Systems Group at the Department of Geography in Zurich, and supervised by Prof. Dr. Alexander Damm-Reiser. The initial DeltAs project involves close exchange and collaboration with international project partners, and therefore, the successful candidate will be expected to undertake some travel, e.g. to join field campaigns and workshops in Vietnam.

Start of employment

The successful candidate can ideally start from 1st June 2024. The position is fully funded for a period of three years, a possible extension will be subject to an evaluation. Working 80% is possible, salaries correspond to the UZH regulations for scientific staff.

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch by 21 April. The application must include a motivation letter, a curriculum vita, contact information of two references.

Further information