Doctoral Candidate - Advanced Calibration Techniques for GNSS-R Soil Moisture Mapping

29 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)

Department

Earth and Life Institute, Environmental Sciences, Louvain Georadar Research Centre

Research Field

Engineering » Electrical engineering
Engineering » Agricultural engineering
Engineering » Aerospace engineering
Engineering » Civil engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

15 May 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

H2020 / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Reference Number

GLITTER-PhD#4

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101120117

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

<h2>Horizon Europe - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Doctoral Networks</h2>
<h3>GNSS-R Satellite Earth Observation (GLITTER)</h3>
<h4>Doctoral Candidate #4: Advanced Calibration Techniques for GNSS-R Soil Moisture Mapping</h4>

<p><strong>Organisation:</strong> Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Earth and Life Institute - Environmental Sciences, Louvain Georadar Research Centre (GPRLouvain), Belgium.</p>
<p><strong>PhD Supervision:</strong> Prof. Sébastien Lambot (UCLouvain) and Prof. Evert Slob (Delft University of Technology, TUDelft, The Netherlands).</p>
<p><strong>Research Field:</strong> Earth Observation, Radar Remote Sensing, Soil Moisture Mapping.</p>
<p><strong>Researcher Profile:</strong> Doctoral Candidate.</p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, with a 6-month secondment at TUDelft.</p>
<p><strong>Application Deadline:</strong> May 15, 2024, 23:59 UTC.</p>
<p><strong>Type of Contract:</strong> Temporary (3 years), full-time.</p>
<p><strong>EU Research Framework Programme:</strong> GLITTER, Grant Agreement N° 101120117.</p>
<p><strong>Application:</strong> Interested applicants should submit a single PDF containing, in the specified order: a Letter of Motivation (including two referees, 1 page max), CV (1 page max), and Transcripts of Records to: <a href="mailto:[email protected] ">[email protected] </a>. Applications must be in English.</p>
<p><strong>Starting Date:</strong> Around September 2024.</p>

<h3>General Project Description</h3>
<p>The "GNSS-R Satellite Earth Observation (GLITTER)" project harnesses the power of GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry) for advanced Earth observation. This technique uses the reflections of GNSS signals off various surfaces—land, sea, and ice—to monitor environmental conditions. Our ambitious goal is to pioneer a new generation of experts capable of making significant advancements in this field through doctoral-level education and research. At the heart of GLITTER is the development of a synchronized constellation of Cubesats, offering a cost-effective yet powerful approach to Earth observation. This innovative system allows for enhanced resolution and data accuracy through advanced beamforming techniques. Essential to our methodology are ground-truth data and calibration methods derived from near-field radar technology, which will enable comprehensive research across all facets of GNSS-R technology. This includes the launching and adjustment of Cubesat formations, RF synchronization, interferometry between moving platforms, and calibration of RF front-ends, alongside ground testing with drones and cubesat systems, on-board processing, data transfer, and analysis. The project's scope extends beyond GNSS-R technology to potentially revolutionize fields that use interferometry, like radio astronomy and phased-array-based communications. Moreover, GLITTER aims to support various industry sectors, including precision agriculture, forestry, and land and sea management, by providing accurate data essential for climate change studies and optimal territory management.</p>

<h3>Doctoral Candidate #4 - Project Description and Training Programme</h3>
<p>The GLITTER initiative positions Doctoral Candidate #4 at the forefront of soil moisture mapping innovations. This project aims to advance GNSS-R calibration methodologies, incorporating drone-borne ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology for high-resolution ground-truth data collection. The focus is on improving the spatial resolution and accuracy of GNSS-R soil moisture estimates, vital for climate change impact assessments and land management. Key research objectives include: (1) Enhance drone-GPR techniques for better soil moisture measurement, especially in the L-band, (2) Tackle calibration challenges linked to incident angles, surface roughness, and scaling, and (3), Develop next-generation GNSS-R applications for detailed soil property and moisture variation insights. The training programme includes engaging in advanced workshops and seminars focused on remote sensing and GNSS-R technologies and their applications in environmental monitoring and agriculture; collaborating with leading institutions to broaden academic and professional networks and spur innovation; and applying research in practical settings using the latest drone and satellite technology. Hosted by UCLouvain with a 6-month secondment at TUDelft, this program is designed to equip the candidate with the necessary skills for high-impact research in Earth observation.</p>

<h3>Job Conditions</h3>
<p>The Université catholique de Louvain will offer an employment contract with a competitive salary. The successful candidate is expected to commence their doctoral studies and research activities starting from September 2024, aligning with the other doctoral candidate positions. This position comes with additional funding to support the candidate's participation in essential courses, workshops, and conferences related to their research field, ensuring a comprehensive training and development experience. Furthermore, all necessary equipment, software, and data access for conducting high-level research in GNSS-R calibration and soil moisture mapping will be provided. Enrollment in the PhD program at UCLouvain is necessary under this employment contract, with the doctoral track designed to be completed within a 3-year timeframe. Should there be a requirement to extend the duration of the doctoral studies beyond 36 months, specific arrangements and potential financial implications can be discussed.</p>

<h3>EU Eligibility Criteria for Candidates</h3>
<p>To be eligible for the Doctoral Candidate #4 position, candidates must meet the following criteria established by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions:</p>
<ul>
    <li>Nationality: Candidates can be nationals of any EU Member State, countries associated with Horizon Europe, or third countries worldwide.</li>
    <li>Educational Requirement: Applicants must not have been awarded a doctoral degree prior to the recruitment date, ensuring the position is reserved for early-stage researchers embarking on their doctoral studies.</li>
    <li>Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or engaged in their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Exceptions to this rule include compulsory national service, short stays such as vacations, and periods of obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Requirements for the Candidate</h3>
<ul>
    <li>MSc degree in Electrical/Aerospace/Telecommunications/Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.</li>
    <li>Robust mathematical and signal processing background, with strong skills in Python as well as in Matlab and possibly C++.</li>
    <li>Demonstrated interest in remote sensing, signal processing, radar technologies, environmental sciences, and sustainable agriculture.</li>
    <li>Excellent communication skills in English.</li>
    <li>Motivated, innovative thinker with a passion for tackling complex challenges in Earth observation and remote sensing.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Commitment to Equality and Diversity</h3>
<p>The GLITTER consortium is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the project. We particularly encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, aiming to create an inclusive research environment that reflects the diversity of our society. Our policies ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion.</p>

<h3>More Information</h3>
<p>For more information on our research and publications in the field, please visit our GPRLouvain website at: <a href="https://sites.uclouvain.be/gprlouvain ">https://sites.uclouvain.be/gprlouvain</a&gt ;. To learn more about each of the twelve thesis topics proposed in this project, please click on the following link: <a href="https://sites.uclouvain.be/DN_GLITTER ">https://sites.uclouvain.be/DN_GLITTER</a>.</p&gt ;
 

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Agricultural engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Electrical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Aerospace engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Civil engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Earth and Life Institute, Environmental Sciences, Louvain Georadar Research Centre

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Brabant Wallon

City

Louvain-la-Neuve

Postal Code

1348

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Louvain-la-Neuve

Website

http://www.uclouvain.be
https://sites.uclouvain.be/gprlouvain/
https://sites.uclouvain.be/DN_GLITTER/

Street

Croix du Sud, 2

Postal Code

1348

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED