- Organization: Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
- Job location: Lämpömiehenkuja 2, 02150 Espoo
- Application deadline: September 30, 2021
- Fields: Environmental Science, Geography, Forestry, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics (GIS)
JOB DESCRIPTION (Postdoctoral Researcher: Remote Sensing):
Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment invites applications for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN REMOTE SENSING OF PEATLANDS
Project description
Aalto Remote Sensing Research Team (https://www.aalto.fi/en/remotesensing), led by prof. Miina Rautiainen, has a vacancy for a highly talented and motivated postdoc to work in a research project (PEATSPEC) funded by the Academy of Finland (2022-2025).
The PEATSPEC project focuses on remote sensing of boreal peatlands. Peatlands spark heated environmental and economic discussions in Finland, and they play a major role in climate change mitigation. The goal of the PEATSPEC project is to develop methods for monitoring peatlands from space created by the availability of new satellite data (e.g., S2, EnMAP). The objectives are to create a fundamental understanding of how novel satellite remote sensing techniques and in situ spectral measurements can be used to characterize properties of plant communities and their spatial and seasonal changes in different types of boreal peatlands. In addition, using time series of satellite data and field reference data from stakeholders, assessments of how boreal peatland management is connected to albedo will be conducted.
Requirements
The candidate must have high motivation and aptitude for research and must enjoy working as part of a team. Applicants should have a doctoral degree in remote sensing, geoinformatics, geography, forest sciences, environmental science or a related subject. For this position, applicants must have experience in analyzing optical remote sensing data, and planning and conducting field work. Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. A driver’s license (valid in Finland) is needed during the field campaigns. Knowledge of peatland and/or vegetation ecology or plant systematics are an advantage.
Research environment
The successful applicant will join a young and dynamic team of world-class researchers at Aalto University’s School of Engineering funded by the Academy of Finland and European Research Council. Aalto University is a public research university which was established in 2010 after a merger of three major Finnish universities. It is consistently highly ranked in the areas of science, art, technology and business. The University’s main campus is located in Espoo, approximately 15 minutes by metro from the center of Helsinki. Helsinki is a safe, clean, green capital city with a very high quality of life. Most Finns speak English fluently. More information about living and working in Finland can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/aalto-university/international-staff-information-package.
Salary, terms and conditions
Funding for the postdoc is available first for a two-year period. If the two-year period has been successful, a new contract (1.5 years) will be made. The expected starting date is January 2022.
The postdoctoral candidate will be expected to conduct field work independently or with a research assistant in (remote) peatland locations in Finland and Estonia, to analyze spectral in situ and satellite data, to present at high-level scientific conferences, to publish in leading academic journals, to conduct several weeks/months long research visits to collaborators’ institutes in Europe, to participate in the activities of Aalto Remote Sensing Research Team, and to assist prof. Rautiainen in teaching activities (max 5% of working hours).
The salary range, terms and conditions are based on a collective bargaining agreement among Finnish universities. The starting salary for postdoctoral researchers at Aalto University is currently around 3,600€ per month (gross) which may be gradually increased over time according to performance.
How to apply
All applications must include the following materials:
- Motivation letter with the applicant’s contact information and an indication of the preferred starting date (max 1 page)
- CV including details of all academic merits, and contact information for 2 persons who may be contacted to provide a character reference (max 3 pages)
- Complete list of publications
- An outline of the field work experience of the applicant (max 2 pages)
- Summary of the applicant’s doctoral thesis (max 1 page)
- Copy of the applicant’s doctoral degree certificate
All materials should be submitted in English in a single pdf-file (compiled in the order specified above). The application should be submitted through our online eRecruitment system (‘Apply’) before 30 September 2021. Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account.
Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, extend the application period and consider candidates who have not applied during the application period.
Further information
Further information about working at Aalto University can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/aalto-university/international-staff-information-package. Content-related questions about the vacancy may be directed via email to Miina Rautiainen (professor, PEATSPEC principal investigator, [email protected]) while recruitment-related questions may be directed to Kirsi Kärkkäinen (HR Coordinator, using the email format [email protected]).
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