Doctoral Researcher in Automated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging for riverine restoration

Faculty of Technology, Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher

to join the Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit (WE3), University of Oulu, for research on “Automated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging methods for riverine restoration”. We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate dedicated to combining field research, multi-scale data analysis and UAV-methods in riverine conditions.

The doctoral researcher will join an international research team working in Torniojoki River in northern Finland. The theme is part of the on-going TRIWA Life project in collaboration with several national and international collaborators, especially Natural Resources Institute Finland. Research activities are part of National Freshwater Competence Centre (FWCC), and candidate join to Hydrology and Water Quality research group.

Work is led by Associate Professor Hannu Marttila, and supervised together with Associate Professor Ali Torabi Haghighi from University of Oulu, and Dr. Pauliina Louhi from Natural Resources Institute.

About the job

The successful candidate will use multidisciplinary approaches and novel automated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging methods to support riverine restoration actions. The doctoral researcher will develop and apply UAV imaging/video analysis methods such as LSPIV, and structure-on-motion in a combination of visible RGB color and Thermal Infrared (TIR) sensors in close collaboration with various stakeholders and end-users. The candidate will develop ways to utilize digital solutions to support future environmental monitoring.

Special emphasis in the work will be on groundwater seepage locations and how to map and include thermal conditions as part of riverine restoration. We are looking for a talented candidate skilled in field measurements and spatial analysis. Knowledge of hydrological processes is considered beneficial.

Further information about the project TRIWA LIFE - The Torne River International Watershed LIFE and Freshwater Competence Center (FWCC) can be found from the webpages:

Requirements and qualifications

Assessment of the applicant’s qualifications will be based on the following criteria:

Master's degree in hydrology, environmental engineering, soil science, geology, geography or a related field of environmental sciences
A good understanding of spatial analysis and hydrological processes is required
Previous experience with UAV methods is beneficial
Data analysis and statistical background is beneficial
Good and demonstrated data analysis and numerical skills, and knowledge from programming languages such as R, Python, Matlab, or similar.
Ability to work in field conditions
Good English language skills both in oral and written communication
Ability to work both independently and with different research groups and teams

The Master’s Degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). The doctoral researcher position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the ”European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full time equivalent) of their research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will either be starting their doctoral training or have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled.

You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Technology and Natural Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School and you must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS.

What we offer?

We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the field of numerical modelling, hydrology, biogeochemistry and water resources management.
Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
Development and career options of the big organization.
Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 01.01.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.10.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

Motivation letter: describing prior knowledge, research interests and career plans (1-2 pages)
CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc and BSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English,Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.
Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Associate Professor Hannu Marttila

hannu.marttila@oulu.fi

Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit

Associate Professor Ali Torabi Haghighi

ali.torabihaghighi@oulu.fi