PhD student in land surface modeling, data assimilation and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)-based remote sensing

di Tiziana Gentilesca · 29/05/2015

at the Department of Environmetal Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.

Position

A fully funded 3-year PhD position at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU Environment) is available. The project aims to incorporate remote sensing information to improve the accuracy of spatially distributed land surface models (LSM) using data from sensors on board lightweight UAVs.
The project will be carried out as a collaborative effort between DTU Environment, DTU Space and the company Sky-Watch A/S.
Responsibilities and tasks
-The successful candidate should have a background in Earth Sciences, Engineering, Environmental modelling or Remote sensing.
-The PhD student will produce scientific datasets from multi/hyperspectral and thermal images acquired from a new flexible and innovative prototype of UAV (combine fixed wing and rotary wing) and will use them to inform land surface models via data assimilation schemes or direct forcing.
-The PhD student will produce model outputs of surface energy fluxes, evapotranspiration, soil moisture and carbon fluxes at high spatial resolution validating them with field estimates at eddy covariance sites in Denmark and abroad.
-The PhD student will apply land surface models based on the surface energy balance coupled to hydrological and photosynthesis models.
-Willingness to travel and work in an international environment and team is essential for the position.
-The candidate will work in an international team consisting of scientists from DTU Environment, DTU Space and the company Sky-Watch A/S.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a master’s degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students in Denmark. The period of employment is 3 years. The PhD candidate should be able to start by September 2015.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 18 June 2015.
Go to online application application
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online,” fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
– A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
– Curriculum vitae
– Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
– Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
More information
Further information may be obtained also from