PhD Candidate in Method Development for Multi-Modal 4D Point Cloud Analysis (full-time position as Research Associate, E13, in DFG project) (m/f/d)

26.02.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The professorship for Remote Sensing Applications (https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/rsa), Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, TUM School of Engineering and Design, is looking for a research associate with the possibility to pursue a doctoral degree in the field of method development for multimodal 4D point cloud analysis.

The professorship for Remote Sensing Applications (https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/rsa ), Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, TUM School of Engineering and Design, focusses on methodological research for the analysis of remote sensing data to gain information and new scientific insights about processes at the Earth's surface. The focus is on cross-scale observation of topographic landscape dynamics in the context of natural hazards, climate change consequences, and human-environment interaction. An important goal is the operationalization of automatic 4D observation (3D space + time) for various applications in geo- and environmental monitoring.

The DFG project “Generalized Extraction of Surface Dynamics from Multimodal 4D Point Clouds for Topographic Monitoring of Earth Surface Processes and Their Interactions (Extract4D)” aims to advance information that can be gained on surface dynamics by integrating multimodal 4D point clouds in time series-based change analysis for various 3D data sources and types of surface activities. This research entails the generalization of recent and current state-of-the-art 4D point cloud methods. Methods will be extended to automatically adjust to different input point clouds (laser scanning vs. photogrammetry, variable temporal sampling and spatial scales, different types of surface dynamics). Different strategies of integrated change analysis are to be investigated, with approaches of fusion on the data level of 3D time series and on the feature level of change information. The project makes use of virtual laser scanning of a variety of scenarios of surface dynamics and various use cases of real 4D point cloud data from different geographic settings. By this, the project improves automatic analysis and results which can be obtained from 4D point clouds in topographic monitoring of complex natural scenes. This basic research renders methods of 4D change analysis transferrable to a variety of use cases in environmental research.

We are looking for motivated candidates holding a Master degree in geodesy, geoinformatics, computer science, (geospatial) data science, or related fields, with experience in remote sensing data processing, ideally point cloud-based methods. You should be motivated in independently investigating scientific questions and working in an international research team. Good programming skills (notably Python, C++) and knowledge of scripting and automation tools are required, as well as interest in Earth surface dynamics and interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists from different geoscientific application fields. Experience in scientific software development is a plus. Good English language skills are required (written and spoken).

You will support our team by taking scientific responsibility in the area of method development for 4D point cloud analysis (Extract4D project). This position provides the opportunity to teach students, to interact with project partners, to participate in international conferences, and to pursue a doctoral dissertation including many possibilities of academic training (e.g., disciplinary courses and general scientific competencies).

• ŸWe offer a full-time position as research assistant (E13), limited to three years, with the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree. Part-time employment is generally possible.
• ŸPayment will be based on the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of the Länder (TV-L), E13.
• Access to a modern and international workplace with a close connection to the research institute and aerospace industry in the Munich “Space Valley”. Main workplace will be the new campus in Ottobrunn.
• ŸTUM strives to raise the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women.Ÿ

We look forward to your application. Please send a single PDF file to [email protected] no later than 31 March 2024. 

Do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Katharina Anders ([email protected] ) for any questions you may have.

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

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Kontakt: [email protected]

https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/rsa