PhD Position in Use of Underwater Hyperspectral Imagery

About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD position at Biology. 

The primary theme of this PhD project is to use USV and mini-ROV’s as an instrument (sensor) carrier to provide data on phytoplankton bloom dynamics, including biomass, biodiversity, health state and primary production. This work is important for marine ecology, bio-diversity, identifying hot spots, mapping of habitats, health state of organisms and for primary- and secondary production estimates.

We seek a person that will have the responsibility of participating and using USV and ROV as instrument carriers for UHI, RGB cameras (photogrammetry) and other optical sensors (e.g. spectral light beam attenuation meters). The measurements and data interpretation will be performed in concert with professors, PhD candidates, researchers and post docs from NTNU’s “Observational Pyramid” team. These hyperspectral imager (HI) carrying platforms comprising mini-satellites (NTNU satellite HYPSO-1), aerial drones, and underwater hyperspectral imagers (UHI) on USV, AUV, ROV and snake robots to provide remote sensing data (optical fingerprints) of bio-geo-chemical objects of interest (OOIs). The infrastructure from Applied Underwater Robotics Laboratory (AUR-Lab, Fjordlab – part of Ocean Space Centre) activity will be available for the candidate.  Workplace will be at TBS, dept of biology, NTNU.

The position is a further development from the ongoing AMOS PhD programs (2013-23) detailed in : https://www.ntnu.edu/amos

You will report to Glaucia Fragoso and Geir Johnsen. 

Duties of the position

We seek a candidate that is motivated and able to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, have good communication and networking skills and, are proactive and forthcoming, and able to work independently if needed.

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale . If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree. You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phbi ). 

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

• You will need to have knowledge and documentation in basic ocean bio-optics.
• A candidate with hands on experience with aerial or underwater hyperspectral imagery is the most important skill in this project (hyperspectral imagery remote- and in situ sensing will be core of the project).
• MSc in marine biology or oceanography, with in hands-on experience in underwater hyperspectral imaging, simple programming skills to provide information for marine bio-diversity and health state of organisms.
• A candidate with strong bio-optical knowledge is the most important part in this project. Candidates with experience in use of USV and mini-ROVs as instrument carriers using geo-tagged information will also be  preferred.
• Experienced in both field- and laboratory work, ability to use new sensors: Hard- and software, implementation on platforms with following interpretation of data.
• Availability to join field work is expected. A biologist that are interesting in coding (python, R and/or Matlab) and statistical methods are also encouraged to apply for this position.
• Good written and oral English and Norwegian language skills

Preferred selection criteria

• Further, additional experience in using in vivo fluorescence kinetics (e.g. PAM and FRRf fluorometry), use of oxygen electrodes/optodes and 14C methods for the measurements of photosynthesis, familiar with spectral radiometers, fluorometers and HPLC isolation of light harvesting pigments will be a bonus.

Personal characteristics

• You should be creative, with a strong ability to work problem oriented.
• You should also enjoy interdisciplinary research and take keen interest in learning and working in teams.

We offer

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 501 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme, within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

Further information about the Department can be found at http://www.ntnu.edu/biology

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

Applications with CV, certificates from both Bachelor and Master, possible publications and other scientific works, copies of transcripts, (copies of documentation on English language proficiency test) and reference letters should be submitted.

The application must include:

• Project proposition (0.5-2 pages) indicating how the applicant envisages her/his contribution within the project.
• CV (including list of publications and relevant former positions).
• Certified copies Bachelors & Masters degrees, transcripts.
• Short statement from a former supervisor/tutor/teacher.
• Contact information for two references (including email addresses and telephone number).
• English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Researcher Glaucia, email [email protected] and Professor Geir Johnsen, email [email protected] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Andrea Sommervold, e-mail: [email protected]

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2023/6693 when applying.

Application deadline: 28.02.2023

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Biology 

We work with global challenges in natural diversity, climate, the environment, health and nutrition. Our expertise in biological processes at all levels – from molecules to ecosystems – contributes to a sustainable society. The Department educate graduates for a wide range of careers in public administration, business and academia. The Department of Biology  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .

Deadline 28th February 2023
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim, Gløshaugen