Doctoral position in new atmospheric satellite missions

Om jobbet

Do you want to be part of introducing "new space" and setting an imprint on future satellites? If you have interests in physics, technology, climate and machine learning, this is the doctoral student position for you!

About us

Our team is part of the Division of Geoscience and Remote Sensing. The division's overall aim is to develop advanced methods and instruments to observe and understand the Earth system. Combining satellite, airborne and ground-based measurements with modelling and machine learning, we collaborate globally to monitor environmental change and support a sustainable future. The division is found within the Department of Environmental and Energy Sciences.

About the research project

Satellite observations are already vital for weather forecasting and climate studies, but the full potential of space-based monitoring of our planet remains to be explored. However, to realise this potential, more effective use of available technology must be identified, and instruments must be designed at a lower cost. The trend to do this faster and cheaper is called "new space". The instrument design must also consider the changed conditions introduced by AI. The project focuses on microwave sensors, which are especially important for their all-weather capability and are particularly important for weather forecasting. Further, this project is part of a long-standing collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology and the AAC Omnisys company, both of which have a strong position in microwave technology.

The overall objective of the project is to bridge the gap between instrument design and the applications of the measurements. You will achieve this by becoming an expert in simulating observations, particularly by incorporating instrument characteristics and errors, to assess technical trade-offs in light of end-user needs. The developed skills will also be applied to existing observations to support ongoing data extraction across several missions. On this side, detailed physical simulations are required to fully leverage the new possibilities offered by machine learning. The work will be made in close collaboration with other members of the research group and AAC Omnisys. The project is funded by the newly formed Swedish Space Research School and will provide you with an education well-suited for a future position in the space sector.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have (when starting the position) a Master's degree (*masterexamen*) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (*magisterexamen*) of 60 credits*. A range of educational backgrounds are possible, but strong skills and interest in physics and computing must be proven.
• You must be able to start at the latest Aug 15.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Being meticulous, have logical thinking and good problem-solving skills.

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Knowledge in atmospheric science, radiative transfer and remote sensing.
• Knowledge in microwave radiometry.
• Proficiency in Python.

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hour

The research team is lead by Prof. Patrick Eriksson. For an overview of the research articles produced by the team, see https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8475-0479
An introduction to the datasets offered is found here: https://clouds-and-precip.group

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note:The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than May 16

For questions, please contact:

Patrick Eriksson, patrick.eriksson@chalmers.se

(Just direct, practical questions, please. You apply here. You don't gain anything by emailing your CV.)

We look forward to your application!

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.

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