PhD Research Fellow in Active Learning for Arctic observing systems (ref 303824)

Role Overview:
The PhD fellow will contribute to the development of an observing system for land-atmosphere fluxes of carbon, water, and energy in arctic environments. Observations from eddy flux towers, drones carrying meteorological sensors and gas analyzers, soil sensors, and satellite imagery are fused with land-surface models using data assimilation. The goal is to develop an adaptive experimental design framework for the observing system to guide ongoing measurement campaigns and targeted, computationally expensive, model simulations. This experimental design process is envisioned to update iteratively as new data become available to optimally infer surface fluxes across the landscape. The work will build on and extend the existing infrastructure at the Department of Geosciences, including mobile flux towers and drone-based observing systems developed in-house. Fieldwork for testing newly developed algorithms is anticipated in mainland Norway, Svalbard, and abroad. Funding is also available for conference attendances and research visits with external collaborators. The position is part of the ERC-funded project “Actively learning experimental designs in terrestrial climate science (ACTIVATE)”.

Responsibilities:
Contribute to the development of an observing system for land-atmosphere fluxes of carbon, water, and energy in arctic environments. Fuse observations from various sources with land-surface models using data assimilation. Develop an adaptive experimental design framework for the observing system. Guide ongoing measurement campaigns and targeted model simulations. Update the experimental design process iteratively as new data become available. Test newly developed algorithms through fieldwork in various locations. Participate in conference attendances and research visits with external collaborators.

Requirements:
Research Field: Geosciences
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Qualifications:
The PhD fellow will be part of a growing team of researchers, postdocs and PhD students working on intelligent observing systems using machine learning and data assimilation methods in the ACTIVATE project.

What They Offer:
Funding for conference attendances and research visits with external collaborators.
Participation in an ERC-funded project.
Opportunity to work with a growing team of researchers, postdocs and PhD students.
Fieldwork opportunities in mainland Norway, Svalbard, and abroad.
Work within the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo.