InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Institute of Geography

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.10.2024, the initial fixed term is three years. (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline03.06.2024

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Research associates will be expected primarily to teach and conduct research. The research associate will also have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, in particular a doctoral dissertation. At least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the research associate’s own academic work.

• conduct impactful research in the field of remote sensing and publish the results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• engage in teaching (2,5 LVS), supporting our commitment to educational excellence
• pursue a doctorate, contributing to our excellent academic environment

Research Focus of the position

The research focus of the position is on remote sensing for biodiversity and vegetation analysis which offers a diverse array of research topics focusing on the mapping and assessment of vegetation biophysical variables, such as biomass, leaf area index, and vegetation phenology, in addition to biodiversity patterns. This role may underscore the importance of observing shifts in vegetation phenological cycles as markers for changes in the climate system. Candidates may choose to concentrate on remote sensing-based phenology monitoring, striving to obtain precise vegetation phenological insights through high-resolution time series or to concentrate rather on biodiversity patterns monitoring by employing cutting-edge Earth Observation (EO) data sources including optical, radar, UAVs and/or hyperspectral imagery.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

We are seeking a dynamic candidate with a Master's degree in Vegetation Geography, Remote sensing, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field with demonstrated experience or course work in remote sensing applications to biodiversity and vegetation. Essential skills include a solid foundation in remote sensing, programming languages (Python, R), satellite data analysis, and statistics. The willingness to integrate remote sensing data with ecological models is beneficial. The role requires independent work as well as collaboration in an interdisciplinary team. An enthusiasm for applying interdisciplinary methods, engaging in fieldwork, and bridging Earth Observation with in-situ data collection is crucial. Experience in UAV data collection and analysis is highly valued. Excellent English skills for writing publications and scientific reports and for teaching are mandatory, with German language skills advantageous but not essential.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg promotes equal opportunity. As men are currently underrepresented in this job category at Universität Hamburg according to the evaluation conducted under the Hamburg act on gender equality (Hamburgisches Gleichstellungsgesetz, HambGleiG), we encourage men to apply for this position. Equally qualified and suitable male applicants will receive preference.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.