Post-Doctoral Researcher in Grass Crop Remote Sensing and Modelling

by GIS Resources , 2016-06-21

The University of Reading is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. We are a global university that enjoys a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise.

We deliver a world-class student experience, research-led teaching and our graduate employability record is excellent. The numbers of our students going on to higher level study is well above the national average.

To undertake applied post-doctoral research with the ultimate aim to allow monitoring and prediction of pasture quality and productivity, in the context of dairy farming. This will involve the use of hyperspectral remote sensing data from satellites, combined with process-based models.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Science within the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science (SAGES) at the University of Reading invites applications for a researcher with a strong background in hyperspectral remote sensing and land surface processes, in particular in relation to temperate grasslands.

This 2-year post is part of the PASQUAL (“Monitoring and prediction of pasture quality and productivity from satellites”) project, funded by Innovate-UK, involving investigators from the University of Reading and Rezatec.

Salary: £28,982 to £29,847 per annum

You will have:

• – A PhD or equivalent in Environmental Science or Remote Sensing;
• – Experience in working with radiative transfer models, as well as land surface or soil-vegetation-atmosphere-transfer models (with emphasis on carbon balance);
• – Proven ability to handle, post-process, and analyse large data sets required and produced by models mentioned above, and by proximal, airborne and satellite Remote Sensing platforms;
• – Proven ability to obtain field- and laboratory measurements of vegetation radiative spectra, as well as leaf chemical, plant structural and plant radiative properties;
• – Ability to conduct model inversion techniques (including the use of look-up tables and/or data-assimilation);
• – High-level expertise in scientific programming (e.g. MATLAB or Fortran);
• – Strong analytical skills;
• – Good written and oral communication skills;
• – Strong self-motivation and are driven to solve problems independently;
• – Proven ability to work in a team;
• – Willingness to collaborate with distributed scientists towards common project goals;
• – Willingness to travel regularly to field-sites, project partner institutions, workshops etc.

How to Apply

Closing date: 03 July 2016

Interview date: 13 July 2016

Please apply below or contact Human Resources, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 217, Reading RG6 6AH. Telephone +44(0)118 378 6771 (voicemail)

Please quote the relevant reference number. The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce and we welcome applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements which will be considered in line with business needs.