[Hiring] PhD Thesis “Applying Satellite-Based Remote Sensing to Transportation Infrastructure Monitoring” @Landesberufsschule Amstetten

Role Description

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology invites applications for a PhD thesis at our location in Vienna. The project focuses on the development of novel applications for the use of earth observation data in transportation infrastructure monitoring.

• Conduct independent scientific research in satellite-based transportation infrastructure monitoring.
• Develop innovative approaches for detecting deformations, damage, settlements, or condition changes in road, railway, or bridge infrastructure.
• Identify suitable satellite missions and remote sensing datasets (e.g., SAR, InSAR, optical, or multispectral data).
• Develop a methodological approach for the use of remote sensing data in infrastructure monitoring.
• Implement the developed methodology within a pilot study and perform validation analyses.
• Evaluate and validate different analytical methods regarding their accuracy, robustness, and practical applicability.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Gain experience in a highly interdisciplinary research field.
• Expand scientific and professional network for a future career in research, industry, or public infrastructure management.

Qualifications

• A completed or soon-to-be-completed Master's degree (MSc) in Civil Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Aerospace Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• Solid programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C++, or other programming languages.
• Experience working with remote sensing data (e.g., InSAR, optical satellite) and processing large datasets is an advantage.
• An interest in reading and writing scientific publications, combined with enthusiasm for application-oriented industrial research.
• A high level of commitment and a collaborative mindset.
• Excellent German and English language skills, along with strong presentation abilities.

Requirements

• Duration: Approximately 3 years.
• Start date: Ideally from 10.2026, with flexibility regarding the exact starting date.
• Workplace: Research project at the AIT in Vienna.
• Coursework: Attendance of university courses and completion of corresponding examinations may be required.
• Supervision: Joint supervision by a professor or lecturer from the selected university and experienced researchers from the Center for Transport Technologies.

Benefits

• A gross annual salary of EUR 37.478 for 30 hours per week.
• Numerous events, seminars, networking opportunities, and flexible working models (including Home-Office possibilities).
• Part of the AIT-PhD-Community with approximately 150 international PhD students.
• An inclusive and family-friendly working environment that promotes equal opportunities and strengthens diversity.
• Commitment to increasing the proportion of women in the company, welcoming applications from female applicants.