Postdoctoral researcher- Satellite observations and bio-optical modeling

Are you interested in promoting the integration of European and global satellite observation data as part of environmental monitoring and research? Apply for a position where research combines bio-optical modeling and satellite observations!

In this position, you participate in the utilization of satellite instruments of e.g. the European Commission's Copernicus program in accordance with the demands of programs targeted for monitoring water areas, biodiversity and hydrology. In particular, you will focus on working on and publishing research results related to the implementation of data from the European Space Agency's (ESA) future Copernicus missions, as well as on the wider implementation of existing satellite observations. The focus of research topics are hyperspectral satellite observations (ESA's CHIME instrument, NASA's PACE and Finnish KuvaSpace's Hyperfield-1). The task includes development of bio-optical modelling as part of the interpretation of satellite observations, especially in water areas. Your job includes data analysis, comparison of models’ performance and other research-oriented work. The publication and presentation of your research at international seminars and conferences is part of the job description. The topics of the postdoc task are linked to the needs of ongoing international projects, so the research is carried out as part of the cooperation that implements these. The joint task is to produce satellite-based information to assist national and international reporting obligations (EU Water and Marine Framework Directive, Habitats Directive and Restoration Regulation). The information is published for practical environmental monitoring, as part of observation data openly shared in Finnish Environment Institute´s, Syke's Tarkka service.

This postdoc position is part of Postdoctoral Programme for Research Institutes. The Programme has been granted 40 million euros in funding based on the Finnish government's multi-annual research and development (R&D) funding plan. This funding enables recruitment of 85 PhD-level experts to 12 Finnish government research institutes between 2025 and 2028. The aim of the Programme is to strengthen RDI competence in areas important to society. Postdoctoral researcher will conduct goal-oriented high-level research at the interface between the academic community, industry and administration. The Programme supports postdoctoral researcher’s networking and mobility between sectors.

The task will be positioned to Quality of information unit. Syke maintains offices in Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu, providing flexibility for the location of this role. This position is located in the Helsinki office. We work in an open space office and activity-based environment, but flexible remote working is our working standard today.

Our expectations of the applicant

A successful applicant will have a doctoral degree in the field of remote sensing, bio-optical modelling, space technology or other relevant field. You have expertise in the use of satellite and remote sensing observations in research, bio-optical modeling, or an understanding of bio-geochemical processes. You recognize the possibilities and shortcomings of satellite observations to produce information for national and international environmental monitoring obligations of different themes. You have basic programming skills for research needs (e.g. you have basic skills and an interest in learning and using the Python programming language as a research tool). Experience and interest in leading projects and participating in the acquisition of funding is considered an advantage.

In addition, we especially consider general-level user experience of Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem or Sentinel Hub, geospatial software and software related to processing satellite observations (QGIS, SNAP) as an advantage. We also consider knowledge of programming-related practices and version control skills (Git, DevOps) as an advantage.

A Post Doc level researcher has completed their PhD within the last 10 years and has a minimum of 5 years of research work experience (including prior to completing the PhD and after it). They master research methods in their own field and have an ability to work as a researcher relatively independently.

A person who has received permission to defend their dissertation before submitting the application can also be selected for the position. A person already working at the research institute can also be selected for the position.

This postdoc position can be filled by a younger researcher who has recently completed their doctorate, or a more experienced researcher who has already conducted independent research work, e.g. via leading small projects. A person's experience affects the determination of salary.

As personal qualities, we hope that you have the desire and ability to work in multidisciplinary international teams and in applied research. You are analytical, enthusiastic and cooperative. You are open to new research topics and actively follow the development of your own research field. You are happy to work as part of a group and take responsibility for achieving the group's goals. You understand your own role as a promoter of well-being at work.

You need excellent English skills in the task.

Language skills needed in the position

• English
  • Speaking: Excellent
  • Writing: Excellent
  • Understanding: Excellent

We offer youSyke has a culture that supports learning and offers the opportunity for versatile competence development. We have flexible working hours and flexible remote working practices in Finland. In addition to a collective ways of doing research and supervision from the manager. We offer sports and culture benefits, a subsidised lunch in contract canteens and comprehensive occupational health care.

Clarifications

The person selected for the position might need to undergo concise security clearance vetting with the applicant’s consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More detailed information on the procedure and the subject's rights is available at www.supo.fi.

Contact Information

Jenni Attila, Group manager, Leading researcher
+358 295 251 078
jenni.attila@syke.fi
(Best available during morning hours, via email, travelling between 18th and 25th of November)

Saku Anttila, Head of Unit
+358 295 251 069
saku.anttila@syke.fi

How to apply

Primarily, we request applicants to submit their applications electronically via the Valtiolle.fi service. However, you can also apply for this job by delivering your application to the Registry Office’s postal address. Both the application and the envelope must feature the ID number of the position applied for. The letter must be delivered by the end of the application period.

Organisation

The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) supports the building of a sustainable society with research, information, and services. We bear global responsibility and ambitiously seek to make an impact. Our objective is sustainability transformation! The society needs immediate decisions to build a better world fairly and cross-generationally. We offer our expertise for this change.

We are working to stop biodiversity loss and climate change. We promote a sustainable circular economy and urban structure, as well as a good state of the seas and inland waters. Our search for new, research-based solutions is creative and enthusiastic. We value constructive teamwork and the diversity of our work community: we invest in equality. Syke is a state research institute with 700 experts and researchers working in Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. Our research is largely funded through competitive research funding instruments.

Location
Helsinki