Temporary contract | 30 months | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

To strengthen its activities in surface energy balance and plant carbon assimilation modelling, LIST is offering a 30 months fixed-term position for a researcher in remote sensing of water and food security and ecosystem functioning. You will work within a collaborative group of scientists from the REMOTE group at LIST in Luxembourg. As per so, you will work closely with remote sensing experts and ecosystem functioning modelers on developing advanced methodologies for (a) Developing precursor scientific data products for Copernicus Expansion Missions on water stress, consumptive water use, blue water versus green water, and vegetation stress in a continuous time series for selected European agricultural ecosystems using MODIS, Landsat and Sentinel thermal as well as VNIR and SWIR remote sensing data, (b) Exploring thermal remote sensing and multisensor synergy to map forest evaporation, stress on transpiration and forest water use efficiency in Germany.

You will work on two projects, (a) the ESA funded project TERESA that aims at developing and validating scientific data products on crop water use, water stress and water-food security metrics high to moderate spatial resolution and understanding drought induced impacts on crop yield in selected agricultural regions of Europe, (2) the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and Culture funded project FoResLab for understanding Forests Resilient to Climate Change.

You will contribute to these two RDI projects by:

·         Integrating MODIS, Landsat/Sentinel-2 thermal, VNIR, and SWIR data, along with meteorological data, into evapotranspiration and water stress models.

·         Developing cloud-based data products using MODIS and Landsat/Sentinel-2 for crop water use, water stress, blue vs. green water, and water security metrics across selected agricultural parcels and river basins in Europe and Africa, covering the entire MODIS and Landsat/Sentinel-2 period.

·         Validating these data products over Europe and Africa using in-situ observations.

·         Applying a thermal remote sensing-driven analytical model to map forest evapotranspiration, canopy conductance, and transpirational stress variability, with a focus on understanding the impact of weather extremes on forest water use at spatial scales surrounding the FoResLab experimental sites.

·         Combining satellite-based transpirational stress and canopy conductance metrics with indicators from other subprojects to develop a comprehensive multi-dimensional resilience metric at a large spatial scale.

·         Contributing to the scientific and technical content of project reports.

·         Disseminating and publishing research findings in top-ranked scientific journals and at international conferences.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

You hold a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, Geography, Earth Science, Agriculture, Ecohydrology, Biometeorology, Hydrology, or a closely related field. Your PhD has to be completed before the start date at LIST.

You gained:

·         Experience and knowledge in thermal infrared, VNIR, and shortwave infrared remote sensing. Notions about microwave remote sensing and SIF will be an asset.

·         Experience and knowledge in evaporation modelling, conducting ecosystem flux/crop evapotranspiration measurements, micrometeorological instrumentation, specialized knowledge of ecohydrology, stomatal conductance, and surface energy balance.

·         Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with researchers and students from different scientific backgrounds.

·         Strong statistical and computer skills including demonstrated proficiency with computer coding, such as MATLAB, R, python, and expertise in statistical modelling.

·         Experience in designing, planning, and conducting experimental procedures, including the ability to meet project goals in a timely manner, and follow through on project deliverables.

·         The ability to communicate research findings both at professional meetings and in high quality peer-reviewed journals.

·         Excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail, and meticulous work style, as evidenced by previous research.

You have a good level both written and spoken English and French

Your LIST benefits

·         An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·         Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·         Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·         An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·         Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·         Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

·         Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·         Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·         32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·         Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

·         A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·         A scientific CV with contact details

·         List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

·         Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.