Postdoc in advanced data science for cryosphere science with satellite SAR and altimeter data and dynamic visions sensors for space and geoscience applications - DTU Space

We are looking for a cross-disciplinary postdoc candidate to work with cryosphere, space and geoscience applications. A successful candidate should have expertise and experience with advanced data science methods such as deep learning, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and altimeter satellite data, Dynamic Vision Sensors (DVS) and fieldwork. 

You will work with mapping sea ice freeboard from CryoSat-2 in Sentinel-1 SAR images with deep learning models and collaborate with the European Space Agency, the Arctic University of Norway, UiT and the Danish Meteorological Institute. 

Furthermore, you will apply DVS technology to space and geoscience applications, such as observing auroras, lightning and satellites.

You will work in a research group that focus on geodetic observations of the cryosphere. We work in teamwork and it will be an advantage if you are willing to contribute other scientific projects in group and in writing research funding proposals.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project will focus on developing initial steps and deep learning models to create data products of Sentinel-1 SAR sea ice freeboard in the Arctic useful for maritime navigation and climate and weather models. In addition, there will be work to observe auroras in high temporal resolution with DVS and other space applications.

You will:

• Acquire large quantities of SAR and altimeter satellite data and construct a large data set ready for training deep learning models
• Built a deep learning model training framework and train models
• Evaluate and disseminate model results
• Apply DVS to a wide range of space and geoscience applications
• Possibly go on fieldwork for airborne gravitational or satellite validation data acquisition campaigns
• Assist in teaching at bachelor and master level and co-supervise student projects

A successful candidate fulfils some of these requirements:

• Has a PhD degree in a relevant field
• Has a strong foundation in SAR and altimeter satellite data
• Has expertise in advanced data science methods such as deep learning
• Has experience with DVS camera technology
• Has polar fieldwork experience
• Has experience with teaching and supervision of student projects
• Has solid domain knowledge in space and geo-science especially in the fields of the cryosphere, auroras, situational space awareness and space environments

The candidate is expected to participate in the department’s teaching activities and go on external research stays.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The position is a full-time position, and the period of employment is 3 years. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Senior Advisor Sine Munk Hvidegaard (smh@space.dtu.dk). You can read more about DTU Space at www.space.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than on 31 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The DTU Space Institute
DTU Space has more than 200 employees and is located in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. We link natural science closely with the development of new technology. DTU Space is involved in the full life cycle of space activities, including concept and design, construction and proto-typing, calibration and validation, implementation and operations, data analysis, processing, dissemination, and applications, leading to new instruments and applications. With the specialized and refined technology available, we are getting more and more answers and further insight about the Earth and the universe surrounding us. We contribute to about 200 scientific publications a year.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.