A position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow is available at the University of Oslo (UiO) Centre for Space Sensors and Systems (CENSSS). This position is devoted to analyses and exploration of data from Earth-Observation satellites and satellite systems, and the development of new exploitation models, applications, and services from New-Space satellites.
The appointment is for a fulltime position and is made for a period of three years. Approximately 10% of the appointment is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities. Starting date as soon as possible, and preferably before October 1, 2022.
No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.
Project description
CENSSS is a Centre for research-based innovation (SFI) at the UiO Department of Technology Systems (ITS), located at Kjeller. The centre addresses challenges and opportunities in science, technology and businesses related to New-Space satellites and systems for Earth Observation, as well as Space Exploration (to the Moon and Mars), by focusing on novel sensors and sensor systems and services. CENSSS will address UN´s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as applications of national interest.
The Centre is funded by the Research Council of Norway and UiO and comprises three research partners and nine industrial partners.
The scope of this position encompasses analyses and exploitation of data from Earth-Observation satellites and satellite systems, development of new exploitation models, applications and services from small satellites, as well as preparation of data exploitation chains and analysis of data from our own research satellite.
The candidate is expected to work in close interaction with the CENSSS team, including its industrial and academic partners. Extensive use of modern approaches is foreseen, including machine learning, data fusion, on-board processing of sensor data, and development of a digital twin of the satellite. The candidate is expected to take an active part in the day-to-day work, including teaching and supervision of PhD candidates and master students.
The tasks can be adapted to the competence and interests of the successful candidate.
The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia.
To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.
Qualification requirements
UiO is an internationally well-ranked research university, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Hence the candidates for this postdoc position are expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
The following qualifications are required for the position:
- To be appointed as postdoc, the candidate must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in physics, electronics, informatics, space systems or related fields. For candidates at the very final stage of their doctor degree program, the doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing date of this announcement, in order to be considered for this position.
- The topic of the doctoral degree thesis must be relevant to the position
- Applicants must be eligible for security clearance according to the Norwegian National Security Act, i.e. preferably being a citizen of Norway, the EU (European Union), or NATO countries.
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
In addition, it is desirable for candidates to have skills and experience in
- Signal and data analysis
- Machine learning / deep learning / artificial intelligence
- Electromagnetic sensors (optical, radar, thermal, radiometric) and sensor systems
In the evaluation of applicants, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as motivation and personal suitability for the position.
Personal skills
- Ability to take initiative and come up with new ideas
- Ability to solve theoretical and practical problems.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team
- Good personal communication skills
We offer
- Salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Professionally stimulating working environment
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Postdoctoral development programmes
- Lillestrøm´s and Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
How to apply
The application must include
- Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
- CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
- Letters of recommendation
- A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).
In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
Dr. Stian Løvold, e-mail: stian.lovold@its.uio.no
Professor Svein-Erik Hamran, s.e.hamran@its.uio.no
For questions regarding our recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, e-mail: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The Department of Technology Systems (ITS) is a newly established department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo. ITS has taken over the activities at UNIK from January 2017. The Institute is located in the Kjeller Research Park, which is one of the largest research and development centers in Norway.
ITS collaborates with the research institutes at Kjeller, and with industry, while it is also tightly integrated with complementary activities at UiO in Oslo. The department has two sections: section for energy systems and section for autonomous systems and sensor technologies. An important goal of ITS is to provide wider opportunities at UiO within applied technologies.