The newly established Department of Remote Sensing in UFZ conducts innovative research to advance the understanding of the Earth system via various remote sensing techniques. It has extensive research experience in quantifying land surface dynamics from multi-source Earth observations across scales. Another focus lies on the investigation of land-atmosphere interaction and climate extremes using novel remote sensing products. The department is currently involved in the establishment of the joint Remote Sensing Centre for Earth System Research (RSC4Earth) between UFZ and the Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences at Leipzig University. The RSC4Earth will work closely with national (e.g., iDiv, TROPOS, DLR, MPI-BGC, MPI-M, LMU) and international (e.g., NASA, ESA, UKCEH, ECMWF, Oxford University, Princeton University) collaborators to deepen the understanding of ecosystem and water cycle dynamics in a changing climate.

The Department of Remote Sensing invites motivated and reliable applications for the

Two Research Scientist Positions (m/f/x) – Remote Sensing and Earth System Science

Working time: 100% (39 hours per week), limited to 3 years with the possibility to extend or turn into a permanent position after evaluation

Your tasks:

We are seeking to appoint two highly motivated research scientists who will bring expertise and capabilities that complement and broaden the department’s research portfolio. The successful candidates are expected to contribute to one of the following topics:

• Develop novel approaches to integrate multi-source remote sensing data and land surface modelling framework, to better quantify water cycle components (e.g., evaporation, soil moisture, precipitation, water levels) from regional to global scales.
• Improve the understanding of land-atmosphere feedbacks and hydro-climatic extremes through novel use of remote sensing datasets (e.g., detection of extreme events, impacts of extremes on water cycle and ecosystems).
• Apply machine learning methods to improve monitoring and modelling (e.g., fusing and downscaling multi-source remote sensing products, uncertainty quantification, surrogate modelling, causal inference).

Please submit the following additional documents for your application:

• Research statement
• Contact information of two referees
• Any other supporting relevant documentation

Your profile:

• PhD degree in earth system science, remote sensing, meteorology, hydrology, physical geography, environmental sciences, physics, statistics, computer sciences or related field
• Good programming skills (e.g., Python, Fortran, R or Matlab)
• Strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Good communication skills in English, and strong interest to work in an interdisciplinary research team
• Successful experience in third-party funding application is an asset

We offer:

• World-class research environment with excellent technical facilities
• Work in inter-disciplinary, multinational teams and excellent links with national and international research networks
• Provide a range of training and education opportunities to support your career development, particularly the establishment of your own researcher group
• A vibrant region with a high quality of life and a wide cultural offering for a balance between family and professional life
• Remuneration at public-sector pay grade TVöD E13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits