Research Fellow in Earth Observation of the Polar Regions in Leeds

Are you an ambitious scientist looking for your next challenge? Do you have a PhD (or near to completion) in a quantitative subject, an interest in Polar research and the skills to develop our Earth observation capability?

We are seeking to recruit a research fellow in Earth observation of the Polar regions at the University of Leeds, to investigate historical and ongoing changes in the Arctic and Antarctica. You will join a team of glaciologists at the University of Leeds, using satellite data to improve our understanding of ice sheet-ocean interactions, and the processes driving recent change. This group uses state-of-the-art Earth observation data and advanced computer techniques to study the Polar regions. We specialise in using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and altimetry satellite data to measure important glaciological parameters such as the speed of glacier flow, ice shelf thickness change and the filling and draining of sub-glacial lakes.

The group receives research funding on major projects from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the European Space Agency (ESA). We collaborate closely with many international research partners on funded projects, providing a fantastic opportunity to make connections and broaden your network. Professor Anna E. Hogg is co-director of the NERC Centre for Doctoral Training, in partnership with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), and the University of Edinburgh, providing a network of Earth observation researchers distributed across the UK.

You will work with Prof Hogg to investigate ice sheet dynamics, and the impact of ice-ocean interactions on ice mass loss and sea level rise. You process satellite data to produce new glaciological and oceanographic geophysical datasets, including ice speed, which will enable us to examine the relationship between rapidly evolving regions of the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets, and the Polar oceans which drive this change. You will lead author peer review publications reporting these findings, and present your work at international science conferences.

Your research at Leeds will form a central role of a large international consortium project lead by Prof Hogg, in collaboration with other leading institutions across Europe and the UK, including two international space agencies. You will have opportunity to work on multiple research projects, and to travel to leading international institutions to present your work, growing your network of collaborators. Travel will mainly be within Europe, with the possibility of wider international travel where relevant.

You will have or be close to obtaining a PhD in a relevant subject such as remote sensing, physics, mathematics, computer science or environmental science. Experience of processing satellite datasets for cryosphere, oceanographic or other disciplines is highly desirable. In addition, you will demonstrate an enthusiasm for scientific research and problem-solving, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as part of an international research team. You will have a strong commitment to publishing scientific results at an international level.