Applications are invited for a 24-months postdoctoral research fellow post in remote sensing of the cryosphere to work on the project Estimation of the Glacier Mass Changes on the Third Pole since the 1960s funded by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences within a project collaboration grant. The applicant should also support the project Global Glacier Mass Changes funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Both projects have been transferred from the University of Zurich with the employment of the PI at the University of St Andrews.

The main objective of this project is to derive glacier mass changes of the entire Third Pole region based on remote sensing. We aim to improve existing algorithms for multi-temporal DEMs to obtain a remote-sensing based estimate of glacier volume changes since the 1960s for entire Third Pole region, and use high resolution DEMs and altimetry data to derive glacier mass changes for annual and potentially seasonal variations for the period after the year 2000.

This post presents an opportunity for a glaciologist with in-depth knowledge in remote sensing and photogrammetry or a remote sensing expert with interest and knowledge in glaciology to work within a group of glaciologists and remote sensing experts. The research fellow will be responsible for further development of methods and algorithms to estimate glacier mass changes using different remote sensing methods and data and would specifically focus on the post 2000 period. He/she will further be responsible for publishing the findings in appropriate venues (peer-reviewed journals, conferences) and for dissemination to glaciological and remote sensing communities.

This project located at the University of St Andrews, however the work will in close collaboration with Chinese colleagues from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP), Beijing/China. The fellow is therefore expected to visit ITP for two shorter periods.

Applicants should hold a PhD in glaciology, physical geography, remote sensing or a related discipline.

Post holder will be located at the School of Geography & Sustainable Development, where he/she will join the Bell Edwards Geographic Data Institute (BEGIN) and further become a member of the Mountain Cryosphere Research Group and the Glaciology Group at St Andrews. The School of Geography and Sustainable Development provides a welcoming and supportive community. A wide range of career development opportunities and courses are provided by the University, which is Scotland’s oldest. The town of St Andrews is situated on the beautiful coastline of eastern Scotland.

The post will commence in April 2020 or shortly thereafter, for 24 months.

For further information, please contact Dr Tobias Bolch (tobias.bolch@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Dr Urska Demsar (urska.demsar@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Applications are particularly welcome from women and other groups who are underrepresented in science posts at the University.

The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through our working on diversity awards (ECU Athena SWAN/Race Charters; Carer Positive; LGBT Charter; and Stonewall). More details can be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.

The School of Geography and Sustainable Development received the Athena SWAN Bronze award and is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. More information can be found at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/gsd/athenaswan/.

School of Geography and Sustainable Development
Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum
Fixed Term: 24 months
Start: April 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter