Stilling:

PhD Candidate in Scalable Computing and Deployment for Earth Observation Applications

Deadline: August 15, 2018

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway with its main campus located in Tromsø is the northernmost university in the world. Its focus on climate and environment is clearly dictated by the geographical location at the edge of the Arctic. The main task of the Faculty of Science and Technology is to conduct research and teaching at high national and international level. Prioritized research areas include energy, climate, environment, maritime, marine, nano-, space-, and information technology; addressing both general topics and topics relevant for the High North.

The Department of Physics and Technology announces a vacant PhD position in the area of Scalable Computing and Deployment for Earth Observation Applications at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Physics and Technology. The position is affiliated to Centre for Integrated Remote Sensing and Forecasting for Arctic Operations (CIRFA), a Centre for Research-based Innovation hosted by UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

The position is available for commencement from 15th of August 2018 and the appointment is for a period of three years.

The Department of Physics and Technology consists of five research groups: (1) Earth Observation, (2) Energy and Climate, (3) Machine Learning, (4) Space Physics, and (5) Ultrasound, Microwaves and Optics. The department provides education on the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels, and comprises 21 permanent scientific positions and a technical/administrative staff of 12 persons.

The successful candidate will work at CIRFA. CIRFA does research on remote sensing methods and technologies that can reliably detect, monitor, integrate and interpret multi-sensor data describing the physical environment of the Arctic, and efficiently assimilate this information into models to perform predictions of sea ice state, meteorological and oceanographic conditions. See more at http://cirfa.uit.no/.

The research will be conducted in tight collaboration with SIRIUS - Centre for Scalable Data Access, a Centre for Research-based Innovation, hosted by the University of Oslo. SIRIUS’ research is focused on developing digital technologies for quick, scalable and effective access to large amounts of data. For more details, see http://www.mn.uio.no/sirius/.

Further information about the position, UiT and CIRFA is available by contacting:

The position’s field of research

New Earth Observation application services are often developed by domain experts with limited experience in programming HPC systems. The PhD candidate will investigate methodologies for scaling existing workflows, exploring container-based technologies as well as formal methods for model-based predictions of resource requirements, but also investigate strategies and make recommendations for the use of new technology stacks, which can further improve the scalability and deployment process of algorithms developed in CIRFA.

This project will investigate how cloud deployments of CIRFA pilot services in maritime and Arctic applications can be optimized, given constraints determined by the type of application, end-user needs and developer requirements. The work will be done in collaboration with the Execution Modelling and Analysis group in the SIRIUS Centre, as well as in close collaboration with CIRFA partners.

Roles and responsibilities of the Research Fellow

The Research Fellow will be associated with the CIRFA work package allocated to “Pilot Service Demonstrations” in maritime and Arctic applications. As part of the research, the candidate will help with the deployment of algorithms developed by CIRFA for monitoring and forecasting of ocean wind and current, sea ice and icebergs. The role of the candidate is to:

  • Help CIRFA set up pilot services for large scale testing and analyse their performances
  • Build models for the scalability of Earth Observation applications with an emphasis on the data access aspect
  • Work with CIRFA researchers to adapt algorithms to processing models suitable for near real-time applications
  • Work closely with collaborators in both science and industry to demonstrate that pilots are capable of running on realistic data volumes for delivering operational monitoring services

During the initial phase of the PhD period, the candidate will be trained in both Earth Observation and Computer Science, working with groups both at UiT and UiO. Topics include radar remote sensing and cloud computing.

Qualification requirements and assessment

This position requires a Master’s degree in Computer Science. We are looking for a candidate with the following background:

  • experience with parallel computing, HPC and/or cloud computing
  • some exposure to numerical computing or machine learning
  • interest in geophysics applications

We are looking for an interested, active and highly motivated candidate, who likes to explore new technologies and enjoys working in a collaboration with others. Good communication skills in English are therefore necessary and documented fluency in English is required.

The main place of work will be at CIRFA in Tromsø, with some periods at the SIRIUS SFI in Oslo.

To gain admission to the PhD programme, you must have a grade average of C or better. Further information about requirements for admission to PhD studies are available here: https://uit.no/nt/phd

The assessment will emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. You must be willing to engage in the ongoing development of your discipline and the university as a whole.

During this assessment process, emphasis will be put on your potential for research as shown by the Master’s thesis and any other academic works. In addition, we may consider work experience or other activities of significance for the PhD studies.

Application

Your application must include:

  • CV and application letter
  • Diplomas and transcripts (diploma supplement)
  • Documentation of English language proficiency
  • References
  • Master’s thesis and any other academic works

Qualification with a Master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your Master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must document completion of your degree before 1st of August 2018.

All documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language. Submit the application electronically through Jobbnorge.

We offer

  • An interesting research project
  • A good academic environment with dedicated colleagues
  • Good career opportunities
  • A large degree of independence in work
  • Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement
  • Pension scheme through the state pension fund

The UiT campus is located near the centre of Tromsø, a vibrant city located in Northern Norway with approximately 75 000 inhabitants. The location also offers ample opportunities for e.g., sighting aurora, hiking and skiing.

Terms of employment

Remuneration of PhD Candidate positions are in salary code 1017, and normally starts at salary grade 50 on the pay scale for Norwegian state employees corresponding to approx. 36 400 NOK/month in 2018. There is a 2 % deduction for contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. In addition, UiT pays 12 % directly to the Pension Fund on top of the salary.

You have to be qualified for and participate in our PhD study program. As many as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training; thus, if you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

More information about moving to Norway: http://uit.no/mobility

General

We make the appointment in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway has HR policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their age, gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background. The university is an IW (Inclusive Workplace) enterprise, and we will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability.

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act. You may request to not be registered on the public list of applicants, but the University may decide that your name will be made public. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply for position

Søknadsfrist: 15.08.2018

Web: www.uit.no

Kontakt: Thomas Kræmer (Head Engineer)

Telefon: +47 776 46253

E-post: Thomas.Kramer@uit.no

Kontakt 2: Professor Torbjørn Eltoft

Telefon: +47 776 45184

E-post: Torbjorn.Eltoft@uit.no

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