PhD Project in Image analysis of hyperspectral UAV remote sensing

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in the use of multi- and hyperspectral UAV data for studying biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from Arctic tundra. The project is part of the research project “AVOCA”, funded by the Villum Foundation.

Start date is (expected to be) 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

The PhD fellowship is part of the AVOCA project, a multidisciplinary project focusing on quantifying emissions of the most dominant BVOCs in Arctic tundra. We will develop and apply new remote sensing techniques using data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), satellite data, and field work to develop proxies for BVOC emissions. The project will e.g. explore the implementation of multi- and hyperspectral imaging from UAV for surface/biodiversity classification, estimates of photosynthesis, and for plant stress observations in natural ecosystems, as well as multispectral and thermal imaging for evaluation of surface moisture.

The advertised PhD fellowship will be focusing on collection and image analysis of multi- and hyperspectral UAV images, and on developing methods to link both spectral data and image objects to BVOC emissions, using machine learning. During the fellowship there will both be periods with fieldwork, i.e., data collection in Arctic areas, data analysis in office/lab, course work and dissemination.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of computer vision, computer science, or geosciences. Applicants should have MSc degree and a record with interest in image analysis and/or remote sensing. Candidates should have skills and experience in programming and image data analysis, and good communication skills in spoken and written English.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

You will be working in the Section for Geography in the Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis research group (https://ign.ku.dk/english/research/geography/terrestrial-ecosystem-analysis/). Our group has a strong expertise in physical, geochemical and biological processes in terrestrial ecosystems related to carbon and nutrient cycles, greenhouse gasses and feedbacks with climate. The workplace offers strong possibilities for collaboration with both in-house remote sensing research groups and external national and international project partners specializing in hyperspectral remote sensing. The group is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Further information on the Department is found at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation . Inquiries about the position can be made to Andreas Westergaard-Nielsen ([email protected] ).

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Andreas Westergaard-Nielsen, [email protected], phone +45 35325840

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in Image analysis
• Good language skills

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 1st October 2024, 23:59 GMT +2

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in the first half of October 2024

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.