E-2315 RESEARCHER IN ECOHYDROLOGY AND REMOTE SENSING

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

https://www.list.lu/

The Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) department of LIST is focusing on pressing environmental challenges our society is facing today. Embedded in the department’s Environmental Sensing and Modelling (ENVISION) unit, the ‘Remote sensing and natural resources modelling’ group is carrying out impact-driven research, geared towards monitoring and predicting environmental systems in a changing world. Our research group capitalizes on a blend of remote sensing data obtained from space- and air-borne platforms, as well as in-situ data measured with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, for producing information on the status of natural resources. Our research and development activities focus on the synergistic use, processing, and interpretation of data from multiple complementary active and passive sensors installed on both space- and airborne platforms. We rely on competences in environmental sciences, such as hydrology and hydraulics, meteorology, plant physiology, and geography for monitoring variations in Earth’s biotic and abiotic resources. We integrate remotely sensed information with in-situ data, process-based models, and leverage satellite communication, IoT and machine learning technologies in order to provide evidence-based decision support tools in near real time across a variety of thematic domains: disaster risk reduction, precision agriculture/viticulture/forestry, preservation and management of natural resources, maritime surveillance.

To strengthen its activities in surface energy balance modelling and agricultural water stress monitoring, LIST is offering a fixed-term position for a researcher in ecohydrology and remote sensing. You will work within a collaborative group of scientists from the Remote Sensing and Natural Resources Modeling (REMOTE) group at LIST in Luxembourg, from CESBIO and IRD in France, and from VITO in Belgium. The researcher will work closely with remote sensing experts, hydrologists, and data assimilation scientists in developing methodologies for generating all-sky high spatial resolution evaporation and transpiration relevant for the upcoming high spatial resolution TRISHNA mission. The mission of HiDRATE is to develop high spatial resolution evaporation and transpiration retrieval methodologies to map crop water use and crop stress for improved irrigation scheduling and water management in semiarid agriculture. You will also work on the ESA funded project ARIES, which focuses on utilizing high spatial resolution ECOSTRESS data and hyperspectral data to observe agricultural water availability over Africa.

Your efforts will be directed towards generating all-sky high spatial resolution ET based on surface energy balance and water balance models driven by multi-source remote sensing observations and partitioning ET into evaporation and canopy transpiration. Furthermore, agricultural water stress conditions over Africa will be monitored using the ECOSTRESS ET and other ancillary information.

In the framework of these two RDI projects, you will contribute by:

• Developing the SEB model for estimating high spatial resolution evapotranspiration utilizing VNIR observations (e.g., Sentinel-2) under an analytical modelling framework and partitioning evapotranspiration,
• Injecting microwave observations into the SEB model to obtain all-sky evapotranspiration estimates,
• Combining the SEB model with the water balance model to generate temporally continuous evapotranspiration estimates and comparing between the two pathways (using microwave observations and utilizing water balance model),
• Utilizing ECOSTRESS high spatial resolution evapotranspiration data and other ancillary data to observe agricultural water stress over Africa
• Contributing to the scientific and technical content of project reports,
• Disseminating and publishing the results of your research in top ranked scientific journals and international conferences.
• Generate and protect IP in the context of your research activities (e.g., patents, licenses).
• Attend international conferences.

You hold or are about to complete a PhD within 6 months after the start of the contract in Remote Sensing, Geography, Earth Science, Agriculture, Ecohydrology, Biometeorology, Hydrology or a closely related field.

Additionally, you have:

• Experience and knowledge in VNIR, shortwave infrared, and thermal infrared remote sensing. Notions about microwave remote sensing and SIF will be an asset.
• Experience and knowledge in evaporation modelling, conducting ecosystem flux/crop evapotranspiration measurements, micrometeorological instrumentation, specialized knowledge of ecohydrology, stomatal conductance, and surface energy balance.
• Strong statistical and computer skills including demonstrated proficiency with computer coding, such as MATLAB, R, python, and expertise in statistical modelling.
• Experience in designing, planning, and conducting experimental procedures, including the ability to meet project goals in a timely manner, and follow through on project deliverables.
• The ability to communicate research findings both at professional meetings and in high quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with researchers and students from different scientific backgrounds.
• Excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail, and meticulous work style, as evidenced by previous research.

On top of that, you also have an excellent command in English (oral and written).

An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects;

Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society;

Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations such as our Viswall, high-scale incubators and top of the range 3D/4D printings that are part of our toolkit for excelling in all we do;

Multicultural and international work environment with more than 45 nationalities represented in our workforce; 

Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions;

Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science;

32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, flexible working hours, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance and access to lunch vouchers;

Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills;

An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas.

https://www.list.lu/en/jobs/

Your application must include:

• A CV (which includes lists of publications and secured fundings);
• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience;
• Contact details of two to three referees.

• LIST is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and retaining diverse personnel. We value all applicants and will consider all competent candidates for employment without regard to national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age or disability;
• Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled;
• An assessment committee will review the applications and select candidates based on guidelines that aim to ensure equal opportunities; 
• The main criteria for selection will be the correspondence of the existing skills and expertise of the applicant with the requirements mentioned above.

To be considered for this position it is crucial that you have knowledge of the following languages

English Read C1 Write C1 Speak C1

Doctorate

1 or more years.