Postdoc: ML-Based SAR Forward Operator for Crop Growth

Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

TU Delft's Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing invites applications for a Postdoc in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for land data assimilation. The project develops a machine learning‑based forward operator to assimilate SAR imagery into a crop growth model across Europe.

You will process SAR data, prepare inputs, train and validate the forward operator, curate data and software, and contribute to reporting, publications and project meetings.

Qualifications

• PhD in Earth Observation, Geodesy or closely related field.
• Experience with SAR image processing using SNAP, PolSARPro or similar.
• Experience in the use of SAR for agricultural applications.
• Proficiency in the use of machine learning for regression tasks.
• Proficiency with Python or similar scientific programming environment.
• Ability to work with large datasets, reproducible workflows and data science tools.
• Strong organizational and collaborative skills for international teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Process SAR imagery over several study domains across Europe.
• Prepare satellite data, derived products, crop model output and ancillary data for the forward operator.
• Develop and implement a framework to train and validate a ML-based forward operator for SAR data assimilation.
• Curate, store, and maintain data and software used in the project.
• Contribute to reporting and project management, including meetings.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed publications.
• Present outputs at project meetings, workshops and international conferences.

Skills

SAR processing

PolSARPro

Machine learning (regression)

Python

Large datasets handling

English communication

Education

PhD in Earth Observation, Geodesy or related field

Tools

SNAP

Job description

TU Delft's Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing invites applications for a Postdoc in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for land data assimilation. The project develops a machine learning‑based forward operator to assimilate SAR imagery into a crop growth model across Europe.

You will process SAR data, prepare inputs, train and validate the forward operator, curate data and software, and contribute to reporting, publications and project meetings.