position opening Team SMOS

Postdoctoral Scientist

Starting as soon as possible. Fixed-term position, initial appointment for one year, with the possibility of an extension.

The CESBIO (Centre d’Etudes Spatiales de la Biosphère) is a joint research unit of Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier (UT3), the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), the Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE) and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD). The laboratory aims at doing research in the domains of observation and modelling of the continental surfaces, addresses the interface between physical and biological sciences and participates in the specification of space missions and analysis of remotely sensed data to improve understanding of continental biosphere dynamics and functioning at various temporal and spatial scales. CESBIO hosts the PIs of two European Space Agency (ESA) satellite missions (SMOS and Biomass missions) and of the French-Israeli Venus satellite. The CESBIO is the lead « Expert Support Laboratory » for land applications with SMOS for ESA and « Expertise Center » for the SMOS French ground segment, the CATDS (Centre Aval de Traitement de Données SMOS).

We are opening a Postdoctoral Scientist position

The CESBIO is seeking a post-doctoral scientist to reinforce their passive microwaves group regarding the study of the vegetation using SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) L-band Vegetation Optical Depth (L-VOD), which is related to vegetation water content and it is highly sensitive to above ground biomass (Rodriguez-Fernandez et al. 2018, Mialon et al. 2020). SMOS L-VOD can be used to monitor the evolution of large scale carbon stocks (Brandt et al. 2018, Fan et al. 2019) and for data assimilation into carbon cycle models (Scholze et al. 2019).

The successful candidate will work in one or several of the following topics :

  • Understanding the thermal L-band radiation and its application for the monitoring of the vegetation

  • Assessments of L-VOD with respect to VOD at other frequency bands and optical variables related to vegetation

  • Building consistent long-time series of vegetation-related variables from microwave observations

  • Estimation of vegetation water content for the monitoring of the hydric state of the vegetation

  • Data assimilation in carbon cycle models

  • Fire risk assessment

  • Above ground biomass from passive microwave data

The work will be undertaken in the framework of different European Space Agency funded projects. Depending on the results there could be operational follow-ups at the French SMOS ground segment (CATDS). The post-doctoral fellow will be based at the CESBIO facilities in Toulouse but he/she will work in collaboration with other international scientists and ESA. Short trips abroad are expected.

Your responsibility

  • Conducting and developing an independent research project

  • Scientific literature surveying

  • Scientific publications, project reports and oral communications

Your profile

  • PhD degree in remote sensing or a related field. Knowledge in plant physiology is an asset.

  •  Knowledge in array programming in Python or Matlab

  • Excellent command of English language

  • Flexible, team-oriented player in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research network

We offer

  • Integration and participation in a highly-motivated, interdisciplinary network

  • Flexible, employee-friendly working hours

  • Support for professional development and career management

  • Depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks CNRS/UT3 salary scale (2650-3900 € gross monthly salary)

  • Social security benefits

  • CNRS and UT3 are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Applications from women with relevant qualifications are strongly encouraged. The application of suitable persons with proven severe disabilities and persons of equal status is welcome.

How to apply
Are you interested? Then please, send your letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and work references to Drs. Nemesio Rodriguez,Arnaud Mialon and Yann Kerr (givenName.familyName@cesbio.cnes.fr). Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the job profile. Application open until filed.

We are looking forward to your application!