PhD candidate (f/m/d) in Nighttime lights remote sensing

Ruhr-Universität Bochum; Bochum; Remote; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prominent German university is seeking a part-time PhD candidate in Nighttime Light Remote Sensing. Responsibilities include developing new remote sensing methods, teaching, and publishing results. Candidates should have a master's in a relevant field and significant experience in GIS or remote sensing. This role offers a unique opportunity in a growing research area and the chance to be part of an international team.

Leistungen

Employment at one of Germany's largest universities

Collaboration in a committed team

Qualifikationen

• Completed or soon‑to‑be completed master’s degree in a physical science or field involving data processing.
• Significant experience in GIS, remote sensing, or Python programming.
• High degree of self‑motivation and ability to work independently.
• Good command of English.

Aufgaben

• Develop methods of remote sensing using nighttime lights.
• Investigate geographic disparities in per‑capita light emissions.
• Participate in data acquisition and analysis.
• Contribute to an advanced nighttime light satellite mission.
• Publish results and present at scientific conferences.
• Teach in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Kenntnisse

GIS

Remote sensing

Python programming

Data processing

Ausbildung

Completed or soon‑to‑be completed master’s degree in a physical science

Tools

Satellite instruments

Radiative transfer

Jobbeschreibung

Faculty of Geosciences: Chair of Nighttime Light Remote Sensing

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%) January 1, 2026 or later, we are looking for a

PhD candidate (f/m/d) in Nighttime lights remote sensing

The Institute of Geography at Ruhr University Bochum focuses on the transformation of metropolitan areas from multiple perspectives. The newly founded nighttime light remote sensing group aims to obtain information about the Earth system (and in particular human activity and development) on the basis of observations of electromagnetic radiation at night. This is achieved through the development of new satellite instruments, new retrieval techniques, and improved characterization of the sources of systematic variation and uncertainty in such data.

Scope: part-time

Duration: fixed-term, 36 months

Start: January 1, 2026 or later

Apply by: 2025‑11‑24

Your tasks:

• Developing new methods (or considerably advancing existing methods) of remote sensing using nighttime lights
• Investigating the sources of geographic disparities in per‑capita light emissions
• Taking part in the acquisition and analysis of data from new instruments in field studies
• Contributing to an international collaboration developing an advanced nighttime light satellite mission proposal
• Publishing results in English language publications and presenting at scientific conferences
• Teaching (3 SWS) in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in physical geography or geomatics
• Support in supervising bachelor’s and master’s theses

Your profile:

• Completed or soon‑to‑be completed master’s degree in a physical science or field that involves data processing (e.g., geography, astronomy, computer science)
• Significant experience in at least one (and ideally more than one) of the following areas: GIS, remote sensing, python programming, radiative transfer, radiometry
• High degree of self‑motivation and ability to work independently
• Good command of English
• Passion for Earth system science
• An interest and affinity for the night is beneficial
• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is not necessary but would be beneficial: optics, photography, photogrammetry, statistics, signal processing, lighting technology, UAV piloting / UAV data acquisition

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team.

• The chance to join a rapidly growing research field

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.

Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine‑Westphalia).

Candidates are requested to send a cover letter, transcript of grades for your Bachelor and Masters degrees, and a current CV. We would prefer that CVs do not include a personal photo. Your cover letter and CV should clearly demonstrate the ways in which you match the requested profile.

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en

The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact [e-mail].

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact persons for further information:

Prof. Christopher Kyba [phone]

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2025‑11‑24. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5090.

Online application