Postdoc in Satellite Glaciology – DTU Space

Technical University of Denmark (DTU); Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 314,000 - 448,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Space in Lyngby, Denmark seeks a 2-year postdoc to re-imagine the SWOT satellite mission for tracking meltwater beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet. You will join the Cryosphere Research group within the GEO Division and contribute to the SWOT-ICE Experiment.

Your tasks include developing a processing framework, extracting time series, validating with ICESat-2, and publishing results while presenting at international conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in a closely related field.
• Strong quantitative background in remote sensing, satellite geodesy or glaciology.
• Solid programming and data-analysis skills (ideally Python) for large datasets.
• Experience with Earth Observation data, ideally satellite altimetry.
• Independent, curious approach with proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop a processing framework for SWOT altimetry over the Greenland Ice Sheet, including correcting geolocation offsets between repeat passes.
• Extract near-continuous surface elevation-change time series and validate them against ICESat-2 laser altimetry.
• Combine elevation-change and backscatter observations to look for signatures of subglacial hydrological activity.
• Interpret results in the context of hydrologically driven ice dynamics.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences; contribute teaching as needed.

Skills

Remote sensing

Satellite geodesy

Glaciology

Quantitative analysis

Education

PhD (or equivalent)

Tools

Python

Job description

Location: DTU Space, Lyngby Campus, Kgs. Lyngby (greater Copenhagen), Denmark
Contract: 2-year postdoc
Start: Between 1 February and 15 March 2027, by agreement
Deadline: 12 November 2026 (23:59 Danish time)

Help re-imagine the SWOT satellite mission, originally built to map ocean and river water levels, for an experimental use: tracking meltwater as it travels deep beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet. The role sits in the Cryosphere Research group of DTU Space's Geodesy and Earth Observation (GEO) Division, as part of the SWOT-ICE Experiment.

Your tasks

• Develop a processing framework for SWOT altimetry over the Greenland Ice Sheet, including correcting geolocation offsets between repeat passes
• Extract near-continuous surface elevation-change time series and validate them against ICESat-2 laser altimetry
• Combine elevation-change and backscatter observations to look for signatures of subglacial hydrological activity
• Interpret results in the context of hydrologically driven ice dynamics
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at international conferences and contribute a limited amount of teaching

Your profile

• PhD (or equivalent)
• Strong quantitative background in remote sensing, satellite geodesy, glaciology or a closely related field
• Solid programming and data-analysis skills (ideally Python) for large datasets
• Experience with Earth Observation data, ideally satellite altimetry
• Independent, curious approach and comfort with exploratory methods; strong English