PhD position on Earth Observation of Alpine Ecosystems

PhD position on Earth Observation of Alpine Ecosystems

May 15, 2023

At the University of Würzburg  at the Institute of Geography and Geology at the Earth Observation Research hub, there is a vacancy for the position, starting as soon as possible of a

Research Assistant (m/f/d) / PhD student

Remuneration group TV-L 13 to the extent of 65 % of the regular weekly working time for a period of 3 years.

Alpine environments have undergone a significant warming over the last decades and climate projections indicate an accelerated warming for the near future. Changing climatic conditions imply changes in the eco- and geosystems, such as changing composition of flora and fauna or accelerated morphodynamics. Remote sensing from satellites or drones can provide helpful tools in addition to in-situ data sampling for the continuous monitoring of environmental conditions. 

This project ought to investigate the linking of multi-resolution and multi-sensor remote sensing data (i.e., LiDAR, SAR, and multispectral imagery) acquired by drones and earth observation satellites with in-situ records collected within high alpine ecosystems in the European Alps (esp. Zugspitze). The project particularly focuses on the analyses of short- and long-term temporal dynamics of abiotic and biotic surface properties. The candidate is expected to conduct field work in the study region and to closely collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines such as zoology, ecology, botany, or geomorphology. We are seeking a candidate who is highly interested to learn how to acquire UAS-data and how to drive information on environmental conditions from various types of remote sensing imagery.

Candidates are expected to pursue a PhD degree within this project.

Requirements:

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate holding a M.Sc. degree with expertise in remote sensing and/or geo-information, and handling of various sources of geodata. A sound knowledge in remote sensing or geographic information systems (GIS) and programming (e.g., Python, R) is required. The ability to work independently as well as within an interdisciplinary team of collaborators is essential. A strong interest in applying interdisciplinary approaches, conducting field work in alpine ecosystems, and to bridge gaps between Earth Observation and in-situ data collection is required. Further, proficiency in the English language, and the capability to write research reports and peer-reviewed publications are required.

Working environment: We offer a stimulating research environment within an interdisciplinary, dynamic research team at the Earth Observation Research Hub in close collaboration with the German Remote Sensing Data Center of DLR. The position is financed for a duration of 3 years and is available at the earliest date (please indicate potential starting date in your application), with salary according to TV-L (65%).

Applicants are invited to submit their applications via email including a cover letter, CV, and all necessary certificates via the application portal before July 1st 2023. The position is to be filled as soon as possible and offered for a fixed term of 3 years.

The University of Würzburg is an equal opportunity employer, determined to increase the proportion of women in successful scientific careers, and particularly encourages them to apply. Preference will be given to disabled applicants with the same qualifications. Inquiries or questions should be directed to:

Contact: Earth Observation Research Hub, Prof. Tobias Ullmann, Dr. Insa Otte, Dr. Mirjana Bevanda, Dr. Martina Wilde

eo-contact@uni-wuerzburg.de

www.earth-observation.org

you may also like:

Meeting with majors and local stakeholders within EO4CAM project

Meeting with majors and local stakeholders within EO4CAM project

On Wednesday, 30 October, a delegation from the EO4CAM project (comprising three members of the EORC and one from the ZKI, DLR) visited the small town of Markt Burgheim in Bavaria. They joined a meeting of local authorities and other stakeholders to discuss strategies...

social bouldering event

social bouldering event

Last Friday did we organize again a social event for all staff members and EAGLEs to get to know the new students, meet and chat with old students and just have a nice time outside the office for all staff members. We spend 4 hours together in the Rock In boulder gym...

snow cover conditions at Zugspitze with UAS sensors

snow cover conditions at Zugspitze with UAS sensors

Our UAS team travelled to Umweltforschungsstation Schneefernerhaus at Zugspitze to continue the time-series analysis for landscape analysis using drones. At an average elevation of 2500 meters, the team, Luisa Pflumm, Baturalp Arisoy, Konstantin Müller and Basil...

Guest lecture at KonGeoS conference

Guest lecture at KonGeoS conference

The KonGeoS conference (24-27.10.2024 in Würzburg) of geodesy student councils in Germany, Switzerland and Austria invited our Professor Hannes Taubenböck to give a guest lecture. On 25 October 2024, he gave a lecture on settlement development in Germany and discussed...

OPTIPLAN – Driving Innovation in Traffic and Urban Planning

OPTIPLAN – Driving Innovation in Traffic and Urban Planning

Driving Innovation in Traffic and Urban Planning: Insights from OPTIPLAN On October 24, 2024, the OPTIPLAN research consortium (German Aerospace Center (DLR)/University of Würzburg, Ingenieurbüro Behringer & Partner, and OBERMEYER GmbH) gathered to advance...