Postdoc: ML SAR Forward Operator for Land Data Assimilation

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension scheme via ABP

Relocation assistance

Flexible working week

Job summary

Delft University of Technology's Geoscience and Remote Sensing department invites a postdoctoral researcher to develop a machine learning–based forward operator for SAR data assimilation in land crop models. You will process SAR imagery across Europe, prepare data, train and validate the forward operator, curate data and software, and contribute to reports, publications, and international conferences.

The role is 9 months, 38–40 hours per week, with competitive terms under the Dutch university

Qualifications

• PhD in Earth Observation, Geodesy or closely-related field.
• Experience with SAR image processing using SNAP, PolSARPro or similar.
• Experience applying SAR to agricultural applications.
• Proficiency in Python or similar.
• Ability to work with large datasets and reproducible workflows.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills; ability to write publications.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Process SAR imagery over several study domains across Europe.
• Prepare satellite data and crop model outputs as input/output for the forward operator.
• Develop and implement ML-based forward operator framework for 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 conferences.

Skills

SAR processing

Machine learning

Python

Data handling

Collaborative mindset

Written English

Education

PhD in Earth Observation/Geodesy

Tools

SNAP

PolSARPro

Job description

Delft University of Technology's Geoscience and Remote Sensing department invites a postdoctoral researcher to develop a machine learning–based forward operator for SAR data assimilation in land crop models. You will process SAR imagery across Europe, prepare data, train and validate the forward operator, curate data and software, and contribute to reports, publications, and international conferences.

The role is 9 months, 38–40 hours per week, with competitive terms under the Dutch university