[Hiring] PhD Fellow in Remote Sensing of Rain-On-Snow Preconditioning Sea Ice Melt Onset @UiT Norges arktiske universitet

Role Description

A PhD position is available at the Department of Physics and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology with the Earth Observation Group. The position is for a period of four years, with the nominal length of the PhD programme being three years. The fourth year consists of teaching and other duties. The objective is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, starting upon commencement of the position.

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.

The project focuses on:

• Investigating the link between rain-on-snow (ROS) events and sea ice melt onset using observations from multi-frequency satellite SAR and laser/radar altimetry missions.
• Case studies from Arctic landfast sea ice regions in the Atlantic and Canadian Arctic sectors.
• Examining how ROS events modify snow/sea ice physical properties and their influence on spring melt onset timing.

The PhD position has three interconnected objectives:

• Detect and characterize ROS events and their impact on snow/sea ice physical systems.
• Detect ROS-induced melt from SAR and altimetry observations.
• Improve melt onset detection and prediction using multi-frequency SAR and altimetry observations.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. physics, remote sensing, geosciences, geodesy, environmental science, etc.).
• Documented fluency in English and ability to work in an international environment.
• Demonstrated practical experience using satellite remote sensing systems (ideally SAR for cryosphere applications).
• Strong programming skills (preferably Python or MATLAB).
• Strong background in statistics.
• Fulfillment of the requirements for admission to the PhD program.

Requirements

• Experience with cryosphere applications, particularly snow.
• Working knowledge of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language.
• International experience is an advantage.
• High self-motivation and interest in the topic.
• Ability to work independently.
• Great analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent work ethic and commitment to the job.

Benefits

• Chance to work in a group with strong international collaborations.
• Possibilities to participate in polar sea ice fieldwork.
• Good career opportunities.
• A fantastic, lively work environment with an international research group.
• Opportunities to travel and flexible working hours.
• Pension scheme through the state pension fund.
• A cosy hometown of Tromsø surrounded by stunning landscapes.
• PhD Fellows are normally given a salary of 580,000 NOK/year with a 3% yearly increase.
• Reimbursement of moving costs if relocating to Tromsø.
• Access to good health and care services through the National Insurance Scheme.

How to apply

Your application must include:

• Introduction and motivation letter (max 1 page).
• CV.
• Official diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the original language.
• Official transcripts of grades for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the original language.
• Official translation of diplomas and transcripts to English or a Scandinavian language, if applicable.
• Explanation of the grading system for foreign education.
• Documentation of English proficiency.
• 2 references with contact information.
• Master’s thesis and any other academic works.

All documentation must be in a Scandinavian language or English. If English proficiency is not documented in the application, it must be documented before starting in the position.