PhD Position in Atmospheric Physics, Remote Sensing
Start your mission with DLR.
The German Aerospace Center DLR has a dual mandate as the national research center for aeronautics and space, and as the space agency of the German federal government. Approximately 8000 people work for DLR on a uniquely diverse range of topics spanning the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport and security research. They collaborate on projects extending from fundamental research to the development of the innovative applications and products of the future. If the idea of joining a top-class team of researchers working in a supportive, inspirational environment appeals to you, then why not launch your mission with us?
The CAU Institute for Geography (IfG) in cooperation with DLR Oberpfaffenhofen invites applications for a
PhD Position in Atmospheric Physics, Remote Sensing
Improvement of the Remote Sensing of Coastal and Inland Waters
Your mission:
The PhD work takes place within the project "Development of an atmospheric correction for EnMAP and Sentinel-2 data over turbid waters", which is part of the preparatory mission of the German EnMAP and European Sentinel missions. The successful candidate will therefore join the respective workshops and summer schools (www.enmap.org).
The PhD work is to improve the remote sensing of coastal and inland waters, in particular the quantitative determination of water constituents and bottom substrates. Major error sources in data analysis are so far the atmosphere and reflections at the water surface. The project aims at the development of an atmospheric correction algorithm with special emphasis on processes at the water surface, and then coupling it to an existing analytic model for the radiative transfer in water. The algorithm shall be based on analytic equations which approximate the complicated radiative transfer processes in the atmosphere and the water surface, and on experimentally easily accessible parameters. A numerically "exact" radiative transfer model (e.g. Modtran-5) shall be used for development, and airborne measurements for validation.
The work also includes the presentation of project results at national and international conferences as well as in the form of peer-reviewed publications.
The position (TV-L E13, 50%) can be filled from now on and will last for three years. It will be conducted in close cooperation with the Remote Sensing Technology Institute of the German Aerospace Center (DLR); the place of work will therefore be at the DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich.
Your qualifications:
Competitive applicants will hold a diploma/M.Sc. in Meteorology, Physics or other relevant subjects. We expect high programming skills (e.g. IDL, Python, C++) and interest in radiative transfer modelling and analysis of hyper- and multispectral data. The following could be further advantages: experience in remote sensing, very good knowledge of English and German (written and speech), good communication skills, high commitment, team oriented but independent work-style.
Your benefits:
Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential treatment.
Please send the application (attached as a single pdf-file) to oppelt@geographie.uni-kiel.de. The application should include a cover letter, CV, copies of certificates, list of publications and contact details of two referees.
If you have any questions concerning specific aspects of the job, please contact Prof. Dr. Natascha Oppelt (CAU Kiel, oppelt@geographie.uni-kiel.de) or Dr. Peter Gege (DLR, peter.gege@dlr.de).