Postdoctoral researcher in spatial data science and algorithm development

[Gregoire Mariethoz]

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Institute of earth surface dynamics of the Faculty of geosciences and environment opens a position of Postdoctoral researcher in spatial data science and algorithm development.

Image analysis and generation is increasingly used in several domains of Earth and Environmental sciences. Among the popular techniques, generative neural networks and geostatistics have proven useful when applied to hydroclimatic and remote sensing data. Those methods are often used as black boxes that are very efficient to generate realistic images of Earth surface processes (e.g. images of land and vegetation cover, spatial distribution of temperature and moisture). However, despite being statistically sound, the generated images are often difficult to interpret in terms of physical processes.

This position is part of a SNSF research project aimed at generating synthetic spatial data. The work will focus on developing interpretable metrics that enable quantifying the quality of the synthesized data, and that allow using simulated images for process discovery.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.01.2024 or to be agreed

Contract length : 2 years

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne Mouline, Geopolis building

Your responsibilities

This position is opened within the GAIA lab (https://wp.unil.ch/gaia) in the context of a SNF research project. Most of the workload will include conducting theoretical developments, writing computer codes, redaction of scientific articles, presentation of the research outcomes at international conferences, participation in project meetings and in the general life of the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (https://www.unil.ch/idyst/en/home.html).

Salaries are internationally competitive. Employment conditions are available at this address: https://www.unil.ch/srh/en/home/menuinst/infos-administratives/salaire-et-assurances-sociales.html

Your qualifications

The chosen candidate will have a PhD degree in environmental science, remote sensing, applied mathematics/statistics, computer engineering, computer vision, or a related domain.

A requirement for this position is a good base in applied mathematics and programming, demonstrated through academic works. Knowledge in geostatistics (in particular multiple-point geostatistics), machine learning or computer vision, experience in designing algorithms for handling climate or remote sensing datasets, are advantages. Excellent skills in written and oral English are required.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

Contact for further information

Prof. Grégoire Mariéthoz

gregoire....@unil.ch

Your application

Deadline : 01.10.2023

Applications should imperatively comprise all of the following :

·         Motivation letter (1 page),

·         Curriculum Vitae,

·         Copy of university degrees certificates and transcripts of marks awarded,

·         An electronic version of a research output (e.g. PhD thesis, scientific publication).

Only complete applications made through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Only complete applications made through this website will be considered: https://bit.ly/3scBsuh 

Additional information

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus