A PhD student is sought from autumn/winter 2026 for a research project at the Chair of Earth Observation and Remote Sensing, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - ETH Zurich, on Multi-modal SAR for large scale rapid change observations in permafrost regions.
Job description
The research focuses on investigating/developing generic methods and algorithms in the context of multi-modal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for the estimation of environmental parameter over arctic regions
SAR is an active remote sensing technique for estimating a variety of surface features, as e.g. topographic heights, displacements, quantitative bio-physical parameters and has found applications in several domains of the artic region, as e.g. the monitoring of infrastructure and permafrost-related subsidence’s
Among the most rapid and dramatic changes in the artic regions are retrogressive thaw slumps (RTS)
These slumps have major impacts by changing ecosystem and hydrological equilibria and furthermore impact the earth system on a global scale by reinforcing climate change with the additional mobilization of organic carbon that was previously stored in the frozen soil
Due to the remote landscape, only space-born approaches are feasible to monitor them. In recent years several new methods based on optical and radar satellite systems have been developed to detect and monitor thaw slumps on regional scales
For this doctoral research we are suggesting to investigate TanDEM-X difference digital elevation models to detect RTS on a pan-Arctic, watershed and local scale
The main data source is coming from TanDEM-X, the German Satellite mission that has acquired a huge amount of data over several years in order to get some insight of the surface processes ongoing and are waiting for their evaluation
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate holding a master’s degree or a diploma in electrical engineering, geomatics engineering, geophysics, physics or a related field with a background in digital signal processing and/or image processing
Some experience in SAR data processing or another field of array signal processing is an asset
The successful candidate has strong analytical skills and programming experience in Matlab, Python, C/C++, or equivalent, and is able and/or eager to develop and implement signal-processing algorithms in such a programming language
Fluency in English is required (oral and written), and it is essential that the candidate is willing to work in a multidisciplinary and international research team
Applicants should hold a valid driver’s license (European Cat. B)
We offer
Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job description
The research focuses on investigating/developing generic methods and algorithms in the context of multi-modal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for the estimation of environmental parameter over arctic regions
SAR is an active remote sensing technique for estimating a variety of surface features, as e.g. topographic heights, displacements, quantitative bio-physical parameters and has found applications in several domains of the artic region, as e.g. the monitoring of infrastructure and permafrost-related subsidence’s
Among the most rapid and dramatic changes in the artic regions are retrogressive thaw slumps (RTS)
These slumps have major impacts by changing ecosystem and hydrological equilibria and furthermore impact the earth system on a global scale by reinforcing climate change with the additional mobilization of organic carbon that was previously stored in the frozen soil
Due to the remote landscape, only space-born approaches are feasible to monitor them. In recent years several new methods based on optical and radar satellite systems have been developed to detect and monitor thaw slumps on regional scales
For this doctoral research we are suggesting to investigate TanDEM-X difference digital elevation models to detect RTS on a pan-Arctic, watershed and local scale
The main data source is coming from TanDEM-X, the German Satellite mission that has acquired a huge amount of data over several years in order to get some insight of the surface processes ongoing and are waiting for their evaluation
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate holding a master’s degree or a diploma in electrical engineering, geomatics engineering, geophysics, physics or a related field with a background in digital signal processing and/or image processing
Some experience in SAR data processing or another field of array signal processing is an asset
The successful candidate has strong analytical skills and programming experience in Matlab, Python, C/C++, or equivalent, and is able and/or eager to develop and implement signal-processing algorithms in such a programming language
Fluency in English is required (oral and written), and it is essential that the candidate is willing to work in a multidisciplinary and international research team
Applicants should hold a valid driver’s license (European Cat. B)
We offer
Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Doctoral Position in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing Arbeitgeber: Karlstad University
Die AG Ferrari bietet eine inspirierende Forschungsumgebung, in der Sie an der molekularen Physiologie der Photosynthese arbeiten können. Unser internationales Team ist hochmotiviert und fördert eine offene, kollaborative Arbeitskultur, die Raum für persönliche und berufliche Weiterentwicklung bietet. Mit einem Arbeitsplatz im malerischen Botanischen Garten München-Nymphenburg profitieren Sie von modernen Laboren und einer Vielzahl an Ressourcen, um Ihre Forschungsergebnisse in renommierten Fachzeitschriften zu veröffentlichen und auf nationalen sowie internationalen Konferenzen zu präsentieren.
