Early Stage Researcher (PhD student), Machine Learning and Inverse Problems in Satellite Based Air-...

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for an

Early Stage Researcher (Doctoral researcher), Machine Learning and

Inverse Problems in Satellite Based Air-Quality Monitoring, position on

the Kuopio campus at the Department of Applied Physics. The position

will initially be filled until 31 July 2023, starting from 1 August 2022

(or starting date as agreed). Please find more information below and

submit your application no later than 15 June 2022.

Role and salary  

We are seeking for a highly motivated and talented Early Stage

Researcher (Doctoral researcher) to join our project “Novel

computational methods for reliable satellite-based air quality data”,

carried out jointly with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and funded

by the European Space Agency (ESA). The aim of the project is to

develop a novel artificial intelligence based approach for satellite

retrieval of fine particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) data. The

envisioned approach will utilize an innovative fusion of high-resolution

satellite observation data, simulation model based information,

geographical indicator data, ground observations, traditional inverse

problems solutions and machine learning techniques to produce a

satellite based PM2.5 product with an unprecedented accuracy and high

resolution. The main responsibilities of the doctoral researcher are on

the development and implementation of the machine learning algorithms on

Python language and validation of their performance.

The person to be appointed to this position will work in the Computational Physics and Inverse Problems research group, see https://uefconnect.uef.fi/en/group/computational-physics-and-inverse-problems-research-group/  for more details. The group is affiliated with the Centre of Excellence of Inverse Modeling and Imaging (Academy of Finland).

In order to pursue postgraduate studies, the person to be selected to

the position must apply for the right to postgraduate studies from the

SCITECO (https://www.uef.fi/en/degree-programme/doctoral-programme-in-science-technology-and-computing ) doctoral program of the Faculty.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the

salary system of the Finnish universities. The salary comprises two

components: a job requirement component and a personal performance

component. In this position, the job requirement level used to determine

the job-related salary element is 2–4, and the personal performance

salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. The estimated

monthly salary in the beginning of the employment will be 2448 – 3210

€/month. 

The position will be filled initially until 31 July 2023, starting

from 1 August 2022 (or starting date as agreed). Possible continuation

of the position can be agreed separately. The position will be filled

for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project. A

probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.

Our requirements and expectations  

Requirements

• A person to be appointed as an Early Stage Researcher shall be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies, i.e.

  he or she is required to have completed a suitable higher university

  degree or an equivalent education abroad, which in the country in

  question would qualify the person for similar academic studies. The

  person to be appointed in the position shall hold a master’s degree or

  equivalent in physics, engineering or applied mathematics. Candidates

  who are currently completing or have recently completed a MSc degree are

  invited to apply, provided that they will have completed their degree

  before agreed starting date. 

• Potential candidates should have a good command of the English language

Expectations

• Strong programming skills (Python)
• Background in physics, engineering or applied mathematics
• Previous experience in machine learning, inverse problems and/or remote sensing is highly beneficial.

Your benefits 

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including:

• extensive occupational health care, 
• staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services,
• affordable sports services.

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website .

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting and

diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and

inclusive academic community. 

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare

know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an

exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website  to learn more. 

How to apply? 

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 15 June 2022 (by 23.00 CET). 

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application: 

Questions? 

For further information on the position, please contact Professor

Ville Kolehmainen, email: [email protected] , tel.+ +358 29 445

3340. 

For further information on the application procedure, please contact

Executive Assistant Satu Turunen, email: [email protected] , tel. +358

29 445 3031.

University of Eastern Finland and the Faculty of Science and Forestry in brief 

The University of Eastern Finland is one of the most

multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We are home to 16,000

students and 2,750 staff members. Our research is ranked among the best

in the world in several fields. We generate research-based knowledge and

make it openly accessible for the benefit of all. UEF stands for action

with impact that is relevant today and tomorrow. To learn more about

our university please visit our website at www.uef.fi/en . 

The Faculty of Science and Forestry operates

on the Kuopio and Joensuu campuses of the University of Eastern

Finland. The mission of the faculty is to carry out internationally

recognised scientific research and to offer research-education in the

fields of natural sciences and forest sciences. The faculty invests in

all of the strategic research areas of the university. The faculty’s

environments for research and learning are international, modern and

multidisciplinary. The faculty has approximately 4,400 Bachelor’s and

Master’s degree students and some 460 postgraduate students. The number

of staff amounts to 560. http://www.uef.fi/en/lumet/etusivu