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Zurich PhD studentships
2 PhD positions on algorithm development for imaging spectrometers
The APEX and the HYPER-I-NET project are offering 2 PhD positions for maximal 3 years mainly within the Remote Sensing Laboratories (http://www.geo.unizh.ch/rsl/) at the Dept. of Geography of the University of Zurich.
The successful candidates shall ensure and document the proper application of new and advanced algorithms. For both positions (A and B), the task will be carried out in close cooperation with our colleagues in the APEX (http://www.apex-esa.org), ENMAP (http://www.enmap.de) and HYPER-I-NET (http://www.hyperinet.eu) projects. Collaboration with industry and 3 party researchers is encouraged.
A) The first position’s subject:
Vegetation species and parameter retrieval
This position is offered in the scope of the APEX Science Center, which is currently set-up in collaboration with the Belgian partner VITO. The position is application oriented and should focus on the development of algorithms in vegetation analysis using hyperspectral data. The core APEX team at RSL is currently composed of 5 researchers. Two further positions are now being offered in this announcement. With the APEX project, RSL is developing the Processing and Archiving Facility (PAF). PAF is the operational Level 0 to 3 processor, which converts the raw instrument output to radiance at sensor in physical units [W/nm/m2/sr] using the calibration parameters measured in the laboratory at DLR, Oberpfaffenhofen. Further processing steps consists of additional modules for the analysis of the laboratory calibration measurements, the atmospheric correction, standard surface albedo products and various Level 3 research products (e.g., vegetation species and parameter).
The successful candidates shall ensure and document the proper application algorithm. This is the vital first step of all subsequent data analyses during the first years of operations, starting 2008. The task will be carried out in close cooperation with our colleagues in the international science community. The main location of the position is at the University of Zurich.
This position involves the following tasks:
- Develop a PAF module for vegetation analysis from the APEX image data measurements.
- Collaborate with 3rd-party research institutes to develop improved retrieval algorithms.
- Perform in-situ measurements for algorithm validation.
- Participation in various project activities such as review of industry milestone documentation, planning of flight campaigns, development of novel APEX products (vegetation species and parameter), etc.
- Publish your findings in internationally accepted journals and literature.
B) The second position’s subject:
Calibration and Validation of hyperspectral sensors
This position is offered in the scope of the HYPER-I-NET project. Applications are invited for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) position (within the framework of the European Marie Curie Research and Training Network) at the following locations:
- Kayser-Threde GmbH (KT), Munich, GERMANY,
- RSL, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, SWITZERLAND,
- Spectral Imaging Oy Ltd. (SPECIM), Oulu, FINLAND.
For more details pls follow this link: http://hyperinet.multimediacampus.it/ers3.htm
This position involves the following tasks:
- Sep-07 – Feb-08 @ KT: Conducting an inventory of existing calibration equipment and methodologies; and performing an inventory of methods and processors for onboard, laboratory and vicarious calibration and assimilation;
- Feb-08 – Jan-10 @ UZH: Development of new generation scene-based calibration and assimilation methods and procedures; and performing inter-calibration experiments of ground equipment (in laboratory, during field campaigns);
- Feb-10 – Aug-10 @ SPECIM: Testing and validation of new generation scene-based calibration and assimilation methods.
The applicants will be expected to have experience in either remote sensing applications (A) or spectrometer calibration/validation (B). Programming skills, e.g. C(++), Fortran, IDL, are mandatory and have to be proven. A background in physics or engineering would be an advantage.
Basic Requirement: At the time the jobs start, the candidate must have a Masters Degree in science of an accepted University to qualify for these positions.
Salaries: Swiss University (A) or EU Marie Curie (B) standards.
Duration: Commencing autumn 2007 to autumn 2010 (funding secured for 3 years), extension likely, subject to individual skills.
Language: Fluency in English and/or German is a prerequisite, knowledge of other languages (French, Dutch) an asset.
Please send your application by e-mail (plain text (no HTML mail) or PDF) to RSL (mailto: phd-rsl@geo.unizh.ch). Applications are accepted until positions are filled.
Expressions of interest-applications are invited for these positions until suitable candidates are found. Applicants should provide by email the following:
- Indication for which position (A or B) the application is submitted,
- Expression-of-interest letter.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Bibliography (numbered).
- Description of the candidate’s research achievements and experience.
- Names and contact details for two references.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is located adjacent to the Alps with easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities. International connections are available through the nearby Zurich airport and the multi-language ability of the Swiss offer a variety of cultural events for all interests. Zurich hosts two Universities (the University of Zurich (http://www.unizh.ch) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (http://www.ethz.ch)), totaling over 30’000 students and faculty.
