Postdoctoral Researcher, Remote Sensing for Agriculture and Integrated Water-Energy-Land Nexus Management

The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We create new knowledge and innovations that help to solve global challenges. We offer you an international and inspiring working environment where you are given responsibility and can use your skills, develop yourself and do work that matters. Our flexible and family-friendly workplace makes it easy for you to balance work and leisure. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities.

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Water Energy and Environmental Engineering research unit, Faculty of Technology.

The Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering research unit carries out research on land, water, and energy systems and their interaction. Climate change, environmental degradation, and energy transition are societal challenges that motivate research to find sustainable solutions. Our water research team has 70 researchers in 4 research groups with a strong focus on various aspects of water engineering, including hydrological modelling, cold climate hydrology, hydrological process studies, groundwater research, water quality, water management, water supply, treatment, and protection. In hydrology, the research includes studies at our research stations and super sites in the Finnish Arctic with a unique and developing infrastructure. We are active in interdisciplinary studies in Finland and different regions abroad, with studies on climate, land, energy and water analysis, modelling and management.

About the job

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the research unit, who is eager to broaden their expertise in applying satellite imagery, ground-validation and holistic approaches combined with physical and machine learning models. You will focus on processing and analysing multi-source satellite remote sensing data, such as hyperspectral, multispectral, thermal infrared, and microwave, to quantify key agroecosystem and water-energy-land nexus variables. The selected researcher will have the opportunity to gain experience in various projects across different geographical areas.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will conduct independent research, collaborate with other team members working on the same project or subject, and write research papers and technical reports.

You will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

• Develop innovative remote sensing algorithms aimed at monitoring agroecosystem productivity.
• Assessing the impacts of climate change on water resources and agricultural systems
• Spatio-temporal analysis of natural resources change.
• Utilizing remote sensing and GIS technologies to analyze and interpret geographical data. This includes processing and analyzing data from various remote sensing sources such as Landsat, MODIS, Sentinel, SMAP, GRACE, and others.
• Demonstrate expertise in using Google Earth Engine and other open-source data platforms.
• Support various projects by either executing or supervising remote sensing tasks.
• Contribute to the remote sensing component of the course, which includes teaching and related assignments.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 80 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

 In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Doctoral degree in either (i) water resources, (ii) agricultural water management with proven experience in the use of remote sensing, or (iii) earth observation science with knowledge of agriculture, water resources, or water-energy-land nexus.
• The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Demonstrated expertise in remote sensing, machine learning, and data science.
• Ability for independent scientific work Collaborative skills and ability to participate actively in teams.
• Teaching skills 
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

We also appreciate

• Finnish language skills
• Experience in big data analysis, statistical analysis

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 15.06.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply through our recruitment system by 15.05.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time).

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Cover letter
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation
6. Three pages research plan

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact:

Associate professor Ali Torabi Haghighi, faculty of Technology- Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering

Email: ali.torabihaghighi@oulu.fi

Post-Doctoral Researcher Ritesh Patro, faculty of Technology- Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering

Email: Ritesh.patro@oulu.fi