PhD Candidate “PhD position in Remote Sensing of Aquatic Biophysics”

Job description

Are you an emerging scientist driven by scientific curiosity to discover and learn?

Are you interested in unravelling the intricate nexus between water quality and aquatic green-energy solutions?

Do you have a passion for processing and analysing multi-source Earth Observation data for real-world complex scenarios?

Then you might be interested in joining us.

Under the SPARKLES project can be watched via this link we are seeking an emerging scientist to conduct interdisciplinary and innovative research to investigate the impact of floating solar on aquatic biophysics and their role in altering the thermal and mass balances of inland waters. The main aim is to unravel how floating solar panels may affect water biophysics. To achieve this aim, you will work on identifying and measuring key radiometric and biophysical properties that characterize the solar panels and the water before and after the installation of the floating solar. Through Earth Observation and process-based modelling, you will then determine the effect of floating solar on lakes’ biophysics: water quality, heat and gas exchanges into deeper water layers and at the air-water interface. The proposed research stands for the innovative integration of Earth Observation with biophysical models. The use of data science could be an asset but is not essential.

Your profile

• A recent MSc (or in the process of obtaining one) in one or more of the following fields (preferably a combination of): ocean colour/optics, water quality monitoring and/or modelling, limnology, aquatic biology monitoring and/or modelling
• Expertise with field measurements of water quality and biophysical variables, with attention to ensuring data quality through validation procedures
• Good analytical and programming skills
• A strong motivation for doing research and affinity with working in interdisciplinary teams
• Good communication and writing skills in English

The following competencies are a pre:

• Skills in utilising multi-sensor satellite imagery, including the use of advanced retrieval and image fusion algorithms
• Expertise in process-based models predicting aquatic biophysical and biochemical dynamics
• Affinity with partner interaction

Our offer

• An inspiring multidisciplinary, international and academic environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda
• Full-time position for 4 years
• A professional and personal development programme within Twente Graduate School
• Gross monthly salary of € 2,770.- in the first year that increases to € 3,539.- in the fourth year
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in case of full-time employment
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

Information and application

Information about the position (e.g., on what a PhD trajectory at the University of Twente entails), you can contact Ir Amanda de Liz Arcari (email: a.delizarcari@utwente.nl).

For questions about working and living in the Netherlands please consult the official website of the Netherlands Government or the website of the Expat Center East Netherlands

Please submit your application before 20 May 2024 including:

• A motivation letter (maximum 1 A4 page) with a short description of your MSc thesis (max 250 words)
• A detailed CV with at least two references, including your MSc supervisor
• A copy of your MSc diploma. If you are in the final stage, then a letter from your MSc supervisor, stating that the MSC is near completion, is also sufficient

Interviews will be held on the 12th of June 2024. The position will most likely start in October 2024.

About the department

Our mission is to build communities of water professionals, scientists and engineers with skills to contribute to a sustainable and resilient living environment using Earth Observations and Modelling of Water and Climate.  

The world desperately needs people with these skills. Water-related challenges are everywhere. Some are caused by climate change, others by urbanization, infrastructure, land cover change, mining, discharge of polluted effluents, and sea level rise. They affect food security, biodiversity and health. Good water management starts with insight into the problem and access to accurate, (near-)real-time information. This requires a scientific data infrastructure and research capacity. We engage with social actors including policymakers, entrepreneurs and citizens to co-create sustainable and innovative solutions for the monitoring and management of freshwater and marine resources using Earth Observation. We focus on physical, chemical and biological processes on land and in aquatic systems, river basins, soils and plants. To study these, we develop, use and teach quantitative use of Earth observation and physically based models, and unravel linkages between water and food, energy, health and ecosystem security and sustainability.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation. Our mission is capacity development, where we apply, share and facilitate the effective use of geo-information and earth observation knowledge and tools for tackling global wicked problems. Our purpose is to enable our many partners around the world to track and trace the impact – and the shifting causes and frontiers – of today’s global challenges. Our vision is of a world in which researchers, educators, and students collaborate across disciplinary and geographic divides with governmental and non-governmental organisations, institutes, businesses, and local populations to surmount today’s complex global challenges and to contribute to sustainable, fair, and digital societies.