PhD scholarship in Data-driven and process-based modelling of rivers using satellite earth observation - DTU Space

Do you want to become a specialist in remote sensing data and hydrology? In a changing climate where floods pose a risk for millions of people, especially in developing countries, more knowledge regarding the behavior and dynamics of rivers is crucial. If this sounds interesting, please see below.   

We are seeking applicants for a 3-year PhD position in collaboration with University of Copenhagen, where you will be a part of the ESA-funded project EO4FLOOD, which will seek to develop an innovative flood forecasting system using remote sensing data and modeling. You will have the opportunity to be part of an international research team with specialists in many different fields.   

Responsibilities and qualifications
The EO4FLOODS project brings together remote sensing data scientists and modellers to advance flood model forecasting. One-dimensional and two-dimensional hydrodynamic models of rivers and floodplains are parameterized, calibrated and validated using satellite earth observation data from multiple missions, providing variables such as water surface elevation, water surface slope and surface water extent. In poorly instrumented and remote rivers, such data have the potential to significantly increase the predictive skill of flood forecasting and flood risk assessment models.     

The major objective of this PhD projects is to develop new methods to map and model the temporal and spatial variation of water level and river discharge from remote sensing data via statistical and hydrodynamic modelling.  

 In the project your main tasks will be to:

• Develop methods to take full advantage of remote sensing data
• Advance the field of river hydrodynamic modelling using remote sensing data
• Contribute with and to academic publications and project deliverable and present research results at conferences both at national and international level.
• Collaborate with international partners within the EO4Flood project.
• Teach and co-supervise BSc and MSc student projects 

The ideal candidate will have (but not limited to):

• A master's degree within natural science or environmental engineering
• Excellent programming skills in e.g. R, Python, Matlab, or similar. 
• Some experience with remote sensing data in particular satellite altimetry data, but also SAR and optical imagery. 
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and analytical skills

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior scientist Karina Nielsen and Professor Peter Bauer-Gottwein from the University of Copenhagen

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
Starting date is 01-03-2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Karina Nielsen, phone +45 45255764, [email protected]  and Peter Bauer-Gottwein, phone +4535334208, [email protected]

You can read more about the Department of Space Research and Technology at https://www.space.dtu.dk/english/

 If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Additional documents of relevance

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Space is a renowned international institution. From space we explore both the climate on Earth and the distant galaxies of the universe and much more. We also develop instruments and other technology for this purpose. We train engineers and provide research-based advice for the benefit of people.

 We use satellites, spacecraft, drones and aircraft and carry out measurements on land and at sea in connection with our research and development of technology. We are involved in the entire process from the first scientific idea until an instrument is sent into space to collect data that the scientists analyze and publish.

 We are approximately 230 researchers, PhD students, experts and other staff.

• We collaborate with, among others, the space organizations ESA and NASA, high-tech companies such as Terma, GomSpace and Skywatch and universities such as MIT, Caltech, Yale, Max Planck Institute and the University of Surrey Space Centre.
• We cooperate with authorities in Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
• We present our knowledge in approximately 200 scientific publications annually, at conferences and with presentations to decision-makers and other stakeholders, as well as via the media to the population as a whole.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.