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Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Artificial Intelligence for Hyperspectral Imaging Data AI4HSI

Noordwijk, The Netherlands, ESA [11782-23252]

Field(s) of expertise
Education and STEM Information Technology
Job type
Temporary
Education
Doctorate
Deadline
Closed

About this job

ESA is looking for a Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Artificial Intelligence for Hyperspectral Imaging Data AI4HSI.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. For this purpose, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
Our team and mission
The Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME) aims at augmenting the Copernicus space component with precise spectroscopic measurements to derive quantitative surface characteristics supporting the monitoring, implementation and improvement of a range of policies in the domain of raw materials, agriculture, soils, food security, biodiversity, environmental degradation and hazards, inland and coastal waters, snow, forestry and the urban environment. For this CHIME is currently developed which will allow collecting a large amount of data with high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. In order to handle the data volumes, CHIME is playing a pathfinder role for On-board data processing bridging the gap between latest state-of-the-art research, newest Earth Observation Applications and On-board processing technology development. In this context Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows automatic retrieval/analysis of the hyperspectral Earth observation imagery from the satellite’s sensor on-board, amongst others for pre-filtering of Earth observation data so that only relevant parts of the image with usable information are downlinked to the ground. This would allow improving bandwidth utilisation and significantly reducing aggregated downlink costs. Further, AI and related machine learning will improve the retrieval accuracy of geo-biophysical variables from the hyperspectral data-sets.
 
Recently, the first artificial intelligence (AI) technology carried onboard a European Earth observation mission, ɸ-sat-1, launched from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana provided an enhancement of the Federated Satellite Systems mission (FSSCat). This pioneering artificial intelligence technology is the first experiment to improve the efficiency of sending vast quantities of data back to Earth, using on-board AI techniques.
The purpose of this Research Fellowship is to investigate potential AI approaches to support higher-accuracy geo-bio-physical variable retrieval from massive CHIME data sets. Further the pre-filtering of relevant (e.g. cloud-) contaminated data onboard the satellite after data acquisition for transmission down to ground depending on Ground targets needs is to be analyzed and tested.

Responsibilities

Field(s) of activities/research/learning areas
You will work in the framework of Onboard data processing (AI) helping us to bridge the gap between latest state-of-the-art research, newest Earth Observation Applications and currently ongoing CHIME on-board processing technology development.
Depending on your previous research experience you are invited to suggested topics in the following areas:

  • Developing new algorithms for onboard (on-ground) AI implementation depending on processing architectures (inline and/or offline);
  • Implementing and testing new algorithms or scenarios with existing CHIME End-to-End simulator;
  • Testing AI-based selective data reduction and compression schemes, e.g., for latency and frame loss;
  • Implementing CCSDS 123.0-B-2 (lossless and near lossless) or optimized forms of the standard;
  • Developing and testing novel algorithms for hyperspectral image processing for geo-bio-physical variables extraction, e.g., for Feature / Information Extraction or Super resolution.

In particular, your activities will be to:

  • Proposing and performing research in one of the above themes, bringing the power of novel on-board processing technologies and AI-based algorithms to Earth Observation;
  • Publishing results in peer-reviewed publications;
  • Sharing your research within conference and workshops, as well as using modern communication tools (webinars, Jupiter Notebooks, social media).

Profile

Technical competencies
Knowledge relevant to the field of research
Research/publication record
Ability to conduct research autonomously
Breadth of exposure coming from past and/or current research/activities
General interest in space and space research
Ability to gather and share relevant information

Education
You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD in Applied Mathematics, Information Technology or similar Science/Engineering domains preferably with Earth observation application experience. Preference will be given to candidates awarded their doctorate within the past five years.
Additional requirements
Solid AI-related Information Technology background with preferable background in Earth Observation image processing is expected. Proven experience in artificial intelligence, data science, hyperspectral image processing, computer vision and optics are considered strong assets. Solid programming skills in Python, Matlab, C++ or other high-level programming languages are essential.
Other requirements include:

  • Ability to work cooperatively in a multi-disciplinary team, as well as individually on personal research projects and direction;
  • Proven experience in leading research, with track record of publications;
  • Experience in academic networking to build links with universities and research institutes, at national and international levels;
  • Natural curiosity and passion for new subjects, methodologies and research areas.

For a complete job description, click on “apply”.

The closing date for applications is 23 May 2021.

At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Lithuania and Slovakia as European Cooperating States (ECS).
We offer
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an equal opportunities employer that offers competitive salaries exempt from national income tax and excellent employment conditions, such as allowances for expatriates and relocation support. For more information: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA
About us
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space. Learn more: http://www.esa.int/

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