Research Fellow in Sensing and AI

UK Space Jobs; Cranfield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Landscape Observatory at Cranfield invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance AI-powered remote sensing for landscape monitoring. You will develop and apply deep learning methods on multi-source imagery, publish in high-impact journals, and present at conferences within an interdisciplinary team supported by HPC infrastructure.

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field, with strong Python and PyTorch experience, and a track record in geospatial analysis,

Qualifications

• Doctoral-level education in a relevant field.
• Strong Python programming skills and PyTorch experience.
• Experience with Remote Sensing datasets and geospatial technologies.
• Publication record appropriate to career stage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply state-of-the-art deep learning methods for land cover classification and change detection.
• Work within an interdisciplinary team and publish in high-impact journals.
• Present work at major scientific conferences and contribute to research impact.

Skills

Deep learning

Python programming

Remote sensing

Geospatial analysis

HPC experience

Education

Doctoral degree in Remote Sensing / Geography / Geoinformatics / Computer Science / AI / ML

Tools

PyTorch

GDAL

RioXarray

Job description

Fixed Term Contract for 18 months, or until project end date (whichever is sooner)

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £38,655 to £46,492 per annum

Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire

We welcome applications from passionate, talented, and dedicated individuals to help develop the next generation of AI-powered remote sensing technologies for monitoring landscape change and environmental sustainability at scale.

About The Role

We are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Landscape Observatory at Cranfield, an exciting research initiative developing advanced Remote Sensing and Artificial Intelligence capabilities for environmental monitoring. You will develop and apply state-of-the-­art deep learning methods for land cover classification and change detection using multi-source aerial and satellite imagery. Working within an interdisciplinary team and supported by cutting-­edge HPC and GPU infrastructure, you will contribute to internationally leading research, publish in high-­impact journals and present your work at major scientific conferences.

About You

You will be educated to doctoral level in Remote Sensing, Geography, Geoinformatics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning or a related discipline. You will have experience developing deep learning models using frameworks using PyTorch and possess strong Python programming skills. Experience working with Remote Sensing datasets and geospatial technologies such as GDAL or RioXarray is essential. You should have knowledge of semantic segmentation, time-­series analysis and modern AI approaches together with a developing publication record appropriate to your career stage.

Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters, geospatial foundation models, large-­scale geospatial processing or cloud-­based Earth Observation platforms would be advantageous.

You will be a highly motivated researcher with strong analytical and problem-­solving skills, excellent communication abilities and a passion for delivering impactful environmental research.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-­class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

The role will be based within Cranfield Environment Centre, which undertakes internationally recognised research focused on understanding and managing environmental change through the integration of environmental science, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, systems modelling and data science. Through initiatives such as the Landscape Observatory, the Centre develops innovative solutions that support environmental monitoring and decision-­making at scale. Further information is available at: Cranfield Environment Centre.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer.We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

Closing date: 17 September 2026