PhD Position in Sea ice remote sensing

European Geosciences Union (EGU); Tromsø; On-site; NOK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø invites applications for a PhD position in sea ice remote sensing. The project analyzes rain-on-snow events and their impact on snow/sea ice properties using multi-frequency SAR and altimetry data.

Case studies focus on Arctic landfast sea ice in the Atlantic and Canadian Arctic sectors, integrating meteorological data and reanalysis to understand spring melt onset timing.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in geosciences, remote sensing, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on ROS and sea ice remote sensing using satellite SAR and altimetry data.
• Publish findings and contribute to PhD program requirements.

Education

Master's degree in Geosciences / Remote Sensing

Job description

Position

PhD Position in Sea ice remote sensing

Employer

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Homepage

https://uit.no/research/earthobservation

Location

Tromsø, Norway

Sector

Academic

Relevant divisions

• Cryospheric Sciences (CR)
• Earth and Space Science Informatics (ESSI)

Type

Other

Level

Student / Graduate / Internship

Salary

Open

Required education

Master

Application deadline

11 October 2026

Posted

19 September 2026

Job Description

Rain-on-snow (ROS) events on sea ice are becoming increasingly frequent in both polar regions. ROS events modify snow and sea ice geophysical properties, amplifying the thermodynamic coupling at the ocean-sea ice-atmosphere interface. Melt onset timing is an important indicator of the seasonal evolution of the sea ice cover. Moreover, it is not yet clear to what extent ROS events can precondition the snow/sea ice physical system and in turn advance, delay, or alter the timing and progression of seasonal spring melt.

The PhD position’s objective is to investigate this link using observations from multi-frequency satellite SAR (TerraSAR-X, Sentinel-1, RCM, NISAR, ALOS-2/-4) and laser and radar altimetry (ICESat-2, CryoSat-2, SWOT and forthcoming CRISTAL) missions, supported by meteorological data, climate reanalysis and in-situ observations. The project will focus on case studies from Arctic landfast sea ice regions in the Atlantic and Canadian Arctic sectors, examining how ROS events modify snow/sea ice physical properties through the freeze-up and winter period and their consequent influence changes in spring melt onset timing.

Contact

For Any Questions, Please Contact

Vishnu Nandan | email: [e-mail]