The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is recruiting one Earth Observation Researcher (m/v/x)for a contract of fixed duration until December 2022.
Context
The person will work in the REMSEM (Remote Sensing and Ecosystem Monitoring) team in the Operational Directorate Natural Environment (OD Nature) of RBINS. He/she will work on projects in the field of operational ocean colour satellite data services including the development of processing chains, cloud processing, data cube systems, product quality control and ocean colour algorithm development. The REMSEM team uses satellite data to measure parameters of environmental relevance such as the concentrations of chlorophyll a (phytoplankton) and suspended sediments in marine environments. A description of our remote sensing activities can be found at http://odnature.naturalsciences.be/remsem/.
Tasks
The main tasks include:
Development of ocean colour satellite applications that enable data access, data visualisation and data processing.
Investigate potential of Machine Learning techniques in ocean colour applications.
Setting up and maintain a cloud processing infrastructure (e.g. CREODIAS).
Work in a small productive team in cooperation with partners from other European countries.
Writing technical documentation and scientific publications
Presentation of results in English
Diploma
Master of Science, Master of Bioscience Engineering or equivalent.
Experience
Experience with Unix is required
Experience in Python coding for image processing is required
Technical competence
Good knowledge of software design and software development, with a focus on Python and its data science and image processing modules (numpy, xarray, pandas,…)
Ideally experience, but at least great interest in ocean colour remote sensing and oceanography.
Understanding of big data ecosystems: cloud processing
Understanding of geospatial data-analysis: data science, GIS and algorithm development in Python are a plus
Generic competence
Enthusiasm for data science
Ability to work flexibly in a team on multiple projects and interact with end-users
Good communication skills (orally and by videoconference, web and social media content, written scientific reporting, etc.)
Good knowledge of English is necessary; A basic knowledge of either French or Dutch is desirable and a willingness to improve is essential.
Thirst for knowledge and the will to find elegant solutions to complex questions
Assets
Experience in cloud processing is an advantage.
We offer
The employment contract will start as soon as possible and be of fixed duration, ending December 2022 with possible extension if funding permits.
The salary is defined according to the standard scale for federal government scientists as published in the Moniteur Belge/Belgisch Staatsblad (http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi/welcome.pl) A.R./K.B. 2.6.2010 (publication 10.6.2010), for grade SW1 with index = 1.7069 (September 2020).
The nominal workplace is Brussels 1000 (29 rue Vautierstraat), with typically 5-20 days per year abroad for workshops, conferences and other meetings. The place of work is currently subject to Covid-19 constraints with significant homeworking possibilities.
Free public transport is offered from home to workplace as well as a bicycle bonus.
How to apply
Applications, including a curriculum vitæ, should be addressed to Dimitry Van der Zande, and should be sent before 12:00 15 April 2021 (by email to jobsREMSEM2021@naturalsciences.be. Selected candidates will be invited for an oral interview by videoconference in early May.
