Researcher in Ocean Colour Remote Sensing

The Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP) is located in the Arrhenius Laboratories, situated at the University Campus at Frescati. Presently around 100 people, including 35 PhD students and 15 postdocs, in 25 research groups work at DEEP.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences.

Project description

The position will be associated with the project ‘The use of OLCI/Sentinel-3 and MSI/Sentinel-2 data for assessing the effect of climate change in coastal and inland waters’ funded by the Swedish National Space Board. The position will be under the guidance of the PI, Associate Professor, Susanne Kratzer.

Main responsibilities

The position involves research in Ocean Colour remote sensing within the Copernicus program. Ocean Colour data allows for a synoptic analysis of marine and inland waters. Besides assessing the spatial distribution and phenology of phytoplankton blooms it also allows for a deeper understanding of the physiochemical drivers (such as wind speed and light attenuation) of phytoplankton growth and production.  By combining MERIS data (300 m resolution) from the ESA ENVISAT program (2002-2012) and OLCI data (since 2016) from the Copernicus program (Sentinel-3 satellite) we can now derive long term time series of essential climate change variables for climate change analyses, especially when combined with other ocean colour data and/or in situ data as well.

The project will focus on how we can use these techniques for a better understanding of the effects of climate change on phytoplankton phenology in coastal and inland waters, with the Baltic proper, the Bothnian Bay and Lake Vänern as examples. One focus of the project is to identify and validate climate change indicators derived from remote sensing data, and to derive and analyze long-term time series and trends. The researcher will support the PI with data analysis and participate in the preparation of 1-2 research articles which will be planned jointly in the initial stage of the employment. The researcher is expected to help prepare and participate in fieldwork on research vessels.

Qualification requirements

Researchers are appointed primarily for purposes of research and must hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to demonstrated research skills in GIS and remote sensing. Demonstrated experience with the analysis of ocean colour data and large data sets is a requirement. Advanced Python programming skills are a prerequisite for this position. Experience with publishing peer reviewed articles in ocean colour remote sensing is a clear merit. A good command of the English language in speech and writing is required for the position.

Practical experience: A European driver’s license (category B) is required for conducting the fieldwork. Experience with working on board a research vessel and with measuring optical properties in the laboratory is also a merit. Experience with radiometric measurements (at sea) and sea survival training are additional merits.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of 12 months. Start date 1 July 2025, or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from the project leader, Associate Professor Susanne Kratzer, Susanne.Kratzer@su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.