Researcher in hydrological modelling and data assimilation in cold regions - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Global warming is accelerating snow-glacier retreat and shifting hydrology in cold regions, which affects sustainable development of downstream residents. There is a need for improved knowledge of snow-glacier dynamics and their impacts on hydrology. Hydrological modelling is an important tool to extend limited in-situ data to help us improve understanding of snow-glacier hydrological processes, and is the only feasible way to predict responses of snow and glaciers to future climate change. However, three main sources of uncertainties (model structure, model forcing data and parameters) restrict the performance of hydrological models. This project will work on reducing uncertainties in hydrological models (particularly our recently developed flexible model, see the references mentioned below) by using satellite remote sensing and advanced data assimilation. This project will focus on several well-gauged catchments in Northern Sweden and China, but other cold regions with good data availability could also be considered.

Work duties
The Researcher will carry out research within the funded research projects by the Crafoord Foundation. The candidate will be supervised by senior scientists at the department in intense collaboration with international experts in glacier modelling. Main tasks for the Researcher include

1. Development and evaluation of novel satellite-based retrieval algorithms for snow and glacier related variables. Multi-source satellite data would be used (e.g. optical and microwave satellite imagery, satellite altimetry)
2. Integrating satellite estimates of snow and glacier variables into our recently developed flexible hydrological modelling through advanced data assimilation. Our model is FLEXD-SG, see the reference “Gao, H., Dong, J., Chen, X., Cai, H., Liu, Z., Jin, Z., ... & Duan, Z. (2020). Stepwise modeling and the importance of internal variables validation to test model realism in a data scarce glacier basin. Journal of Hydrology, 591, 125457.”

The work duties could also include teaching in the GIS and Remote Sensing Master’s degree programme (no more than 20% of full time).

Qualification requirements
Applicants must have:

• A PhD in Hydrology or Remote Sensing and have a good understanding of hydrological processes of snow and glaciers, ideally a research profile within hydrological modelling in cold regions.
• Excellent skills and experience in hydrological modelling, and
• programming with Python/Matlab/R.
• Proven experience in processing multi-source satellite data
• Proven experience in integration of satellite data into hydrological modelling via advanced data assimilation
• Demonstrated experience in writing scientific artcles in international journals in the field of Hydrology or Remote Sensing.
• Good communication skills and ability to work independently and in a group.
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.

Merits for the position
Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant's experience and skills are deemed to complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department and contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment for 18 months with possibility of extension. Start date as soon as possible. Contact person is Zheng Duan, +46-462224083, zheng.duan@nateko.lu.se  

Assessment criteria
Applicants must provide proof of how they meet the above requirements in the application.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications are to be written in English and compiled as a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications.
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages).
• contact information of at least two references.
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.