Doctoral Position in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing

Descrizione

Doctoral Position in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing Sintesi in italiano (traduzione automatica): L'ETH Zurich cerca un dottorando per un progetto di ricerca in osservazione della Terra e telerilevamento, con inizio previsto per l'autunno/inverno 2026. Il progetto si concentra sull'uso di radar a apertura sintetica (SAR) per monitorare i cambiamenti ambientali nelle regioni artiche, in particolare per quanto riguarda i fenomeni di disgelo. Il candidato ideale deve possedere una laurea magistrale in ingegneria elettrica, ingegneria geomatica, geofisica, fisica o un campo correlato, con competenze in elaborazione di segnali digitali e/o immagini. È richiesta esperienza nella lavorazione dei dati SAR e competenze di programmazione in linguaggi come Matlab, Python o C/C++. È fondamentale la fluente conoscenza dell'inglese e la disponibilità a lavorare in un team di ricerca internazionale. L'ETH Zurich offre un ambiente di lavoro inclusivo e opportunità di sviluppo professionale. Doctoral Position in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing 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 Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .Curious? So are we. We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents: A cover letter that describes the candidate’s motivation and research experience A full CV Academic transcripts/list of courses completed or on-going, including grades A digital copy (PDF) of the master’s thesis Name and address / contact details of two refe Annu