Doctoral student (licentiate) in Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Geodesy and Geoinformatics

We are excited to announce a new PhD position in Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation. This research opportunity will focus on advancing AI-driven Earth Observation (EO) methods for environmental intelligence, with applications including illegal waste monitoring, wildfire emission estimation, and pollution assessment.

The doctoral research will explore cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches for analyzing multi-modal, multi-temporal, and multi-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data. The project aims to develop innovative models capable of capturing complex spatiotemporal dynamics and supporting a broad range of downstream environmental applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on building robust and scalable AI solutions for environmental monitoring, situational awareness, and sustainable decision-making through EO big data analytics.

If you are passionate about applying artificial intelligence to address environmental challenges and have a strong background in machine learning, computer vision, or remote sensing, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the future of AI-driven Earth observation for environmental intelligence.

Supervision: Yifang Ban is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
• Master's Degree in Geomatics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines in natural sciences and engineering.
• Strong proficiency in image analysis, computer vision, pattern recognition, machine learning/deep learning, along with solid background in data science.
• Prior experience with generative AI and/or geospatial foundation models is a valuable asset.
• Proficient coding skills in widely used scientific programming languages, including Python, C++, and Matlab.
• Excellent ability to read and write scientific English and fluent spoken English. 

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills. 

Target degree: Licentiate degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.

Union representatives

Contact information for union representatives.

Doctoral Student’s network (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact information for PhD chapter.

To apply for the position

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must include the following elements:

• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Join us at KTH
KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH

1. Yifang Ban, [email protected]