Remote sensing specialist for nature-based climate solutions research project
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (Private) | https://iiasa.ac.at/
Details
Application Deadline:
05/14/2025
Published:
04/16/2025
Starting Date:
after 8/1/2025
Hours per Week:
30 - 40
Salary:
Commensurate / Negotiable
Education Required:
Masters
Experience Required:
at least 3 years
Location:
Laxenburg, Austria
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Description
The Agriculture, Forestry, and Ecosystem Services (AFE) Research Group, within the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources (BNR) Program is looking for a highly motivated remote sensing specialist to work closely with project partners in the development of scalable open-source landscape monitoring technology that can address multiple thematic requirements of diverse NCS actors and stakeholders. Funded by the International Climate Initiative, AFE is coordinating the four-year impact-oriented research project Evolving Participatory Information System (EPISTEM) for Nature-based Solutions. EPISTEM aims to provide and mainstream open-source technology that could provide actors of nature-based climate solutions (NCS) with access to high-quality Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data. Focusing on Indonesia and broader Southeast Asia, the EPISTEM initiative will support the region’s NCS aspirations through data empowerment that could unlock technical barriers for activities across the NCS delivery chain.
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Collaborate with remote sensing experts and NCS specialists in Indonesia to design, develop, and optimize an open-source, automated LULC mapping technology tailored to Southeast Asia’s ecological and geographical contexts.
- Conduct testing, validation, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the LULC mapping technology, incorporating local knowledge and expertise.
- Collaborate with remote sensing experts and NCS specialists in Indonesia to develop an open repository for participatory LULC reference data generation.
- Develop a robust LULC key interpretation algorithm to ensure the production of high-quality, accurate LULC maps from satellite imagery.
- Design and coordinate mapathon activities, engaging local stakeholders and citizen scientists in generating high-quality LULC reference data.
- Contribute to the creation of user-friendly documentation, tutorials, and guidelines for the LULC mapping tools and processes.
Requirements
- PhD or Master's degree (or equivalent) in remote sensing, applied ecology, or a related field, with extensive experience in remote sensing data processing.
- Proven expertise in geospatial processing and satellite image interpretation using Google Earth Engine or similar cloud-based platforms.
- In-depth knowledge of satellite imagery sources and their applicability for land use/cover mapping in tropical regions, particularly in Indonesia.
- Strong understanding of satellite image calibration, correction, and processing techniques.
- Experience in developing applications that integrate geospatial processing results with web-based tools, databases, or user interfaces.
- Demonstrated experience in research related to the land use sector in Indonesia or Southeast Asia.
- Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated capability to work independently and respond to deadlines in a timely manner.
- Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required; proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is advantageous.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work in a diverse, collaborative environment.
- IIASA offers an interdisciplinary and international workplace, and the possibility to interact with researchers of different nationalities, with strong ties to a world-wide network of research institutions engaged in environmental systems research. The successful candidate must be able to work in, and have respect for, an intercultural environment, and IIASA core values.
Contact
Alia Harrison
harrison@iiasa.ac.at (preferred contact method)