Application Deadline: 1st of November 2022
Possible start date: 1st of January 2023
Duration: 3+ years,
Job location: Agro Business Park 10, Wageningen
Bruto monthly salary: starting at €4,078 gross per month depending on experience
Job type: post-doctoral researcher
Fields: geocomputation, environmental sciences, Earth Observation, big data, data science, high performance computing, Digital Twin Earth
Employer: OpenGeoHub foundation
Job description
OpenGeoHub foundation is a not-for-profit research foundation with headquarters at the Agro Business Park, Wageningen, the Netherlands. We aim to become world experts in producing global and regional spatial predictions of soil, vegetation, biodiversity and climatic variables. For this, we use high performance computing / optimisation and state-of-the-art machine learning.
OpenGeoHub foundation is looking for a post-doctoral researcher in the field of geocomputation / geoinformatics (programming in R, Python, Bash, Julia and similar), specifically focused on using state-of-the-art geocomputing frameworks / algorithms and GIS software to help process large Earth observation data sets (Copernicus Sentinel, NASA Landsat, MODIS and similar), implement parallelisation in cluster or cloud solutions (Slurm, Google Earth Engine, Amazon AWS, OVH) and produce global datasets and simulation systems either by running analysis, modeling or running process-based operations. You would work for OpenGeoHub on current and future high profile European Commission-funded and other international projects where there is a need to develop new solutions for geocomputing, optimize and automate modeling frameworks and deliver scientific outputs in a timely manner. You would primarily contribute to the Horizon Europe projects Open-Earth-Monitor (2022–2026); AI4SoilHeatlh (2023–2026), also actively contribute to the www.OpenLandMap.org and EcoDataCube.eu data portals.
You would spend a significant amount of time innovating solutions to produce more accurate and easier to update spatial and spatiotemporal predictions and then report the results in research publications, meeting with senior researchers (weekly), and using OpenGeoHub’s / EnvirometriX own computing center to optimize spatial analysis. You would also be encouraged to network with other researchers and groups of world leaders in their fields. OpenGeoHub works closely with IIASA (Geo-wiki.org), Wageningen University (Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing), EURAC Research, ETH (Tom Crowther’s Lab), The Woodwell Climate Research Center, Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry (Biogeochemical Integration Department), Institute for Geoinformatics (ifgi) / University of Münster, GFZ Helmholtz German Research Centre for Geosciences, GiLAB.rs, and many other organizations. Our clients / collaborating organizations also include: The Nature Conservancy, UNCCD, World Resources Institute, Conservation International and others.
Successful candidates will be encouraged / supported to apply for the 30% ruling which can lead to additional financial and other benefits.
“Are you up to processing Big geospatial data to help save lives and increase life quality of European and global citizens?”
Your profile
Minimum requirements:
- You have a PhD degree in the field of environmental science and/or geoinformatics and/or remote sensing; combined with a background in GIS, geocomputation, and/or environmetrics.
- You are independent in running geocomputing in R and/or Python and/or Bash.
- You have experience with working with cloud-optimized data solutions such as Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs and Geoparquet files.
- You have experience with processing global EO data sets e.g. Landsat ARD, Sentinel, MODIS.
- You are competent at, and enjoy developing analytical solutions, producing value-added datasets, writing up and reporting research / results of experiments.
- You know how to automate benchmarking and optimize geocomputing to save computing costs without losing on accuracy.
- You have experience working with cloud-/web-based solutions for geocomputing e.g. Slurm, Google Earth Engine and/or AWS.
- You are fluent in English.
Note: Note: Residence permit for a researcher under Directive (EU) 2016/801 applies.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Questions:
Questions regarding this position can be directed to Tom Hengl, email: tom.hengl@opengeohub.org
Applications, including (1) a CV, (2) a statement of your interest and vision, and (3) self-assessment based on the minimum requirements, should be uploaded via this link. Please prepare all documents as a PDF before starting the application.
Our offer:
We offer a full-time position for 3 years, with possible extension, within a very stimulating international innovation and research environment aimed at solving global and regional environmental problems at large scales. You will work in a dynamic work environment with enthusiastic colleagues usually from a variety of countries.
- Salary starting at €4.078 gross per month depending on experience;
- A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary;
- Minimum of 29 holidays if in full-time employment;
- Professional and personal development programs.
We are a truly international research institute promoting equal opportunities and especially focused on enabling female researchers. We strongly encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with other colleagues. Flexi-hours and occasional remote working are also possible upon agreement with the OpenGeoHub Management Board.
