Connectionists: 4 PhD and Postdoc positions in Machine Learning for Geosciences

[Gustau Camps-Valls]

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2 PhD and 2 Postdoc positions in Machine Learning for Geosciences
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We are searching for outstanding candidates with a strong interest in machine learning and geosciences to 
cover 2 PhD and 2 postdoctoral positions to join the Image and Signal Processing (ISP) group in the 
Universitat de Valencia, Spain, http://isp.uv.es. The positions are funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant 
2015-2020 entitled "Statistical Learning for Earth Observation Data Analysis" (SEDAL) under the direction of 
Prof. Gustau Camps-Valls. More info about the openings in http://isp.uv.es/sedal.pdf

*** The project and job description

We aim to develop the next generation of statistical inference methods to analyze Earth Observation (EO) data. 
Machine learning models have helped to monitor land, oceans, and atmosphere through the analysis and 
estimation of climate and biophysical parameters. Current approaches, however, cannot deal efficiently with 
the particular characteristics of remote sensing data. We will develop advanced regression (retrieval, model 
inversion) methods to improve efficiency, prediction accuracy and uncertainties, encode physical knowledge 
about the problem, attain self-explanatory models, learn graphical causal models to explain the complex 
interactions between essential climate variables and observations, and discover hidden essential drivers and 
confounding factors in Climate/Geo Sciences.

Highly motivated researchers with a degree/PhD in computer science, statistics, machine learning, electrical 
engineering, physics, or mathematics are encouraged to apply. All candidates should have a solid understanding 
and knowledge of machine learning and statistics, and being particularly interested in remote sensing and 
geoscience problems. Positions will cover two different profiles: (1) Expertise in remote sensing and 
geosciences: model inversion, radiative transfer models, biogeochemistry, climate science, detection and 
attribution, global carbon/heat/water fluxes, in-situ datasets for land/vegetation monitoring; and (2) 
Expertise in machine learning, statistics and signal processing: regression and time series analysis, change 
and anomaly detection, structured/relational/transfer learning, graphical models and causal inference. In both 
cases, good programming skills (Matlab/Python/R/C++), a critical and organized sense for data analysis, as 
well as maturity and commitment, strong communication, presentation and writing skills are a big plus.

*** Application details

- How? Send me: 2-pages CV, motivation letter, 3 best papers, 3 recommendation letters or contacts
- When? Preferred starting dates: January or May 2016
- How long? 1 year contract (extendable upon mutual satisfaction and qualifications to 3-4 years)
- How much? Salary according to UV scales including social security, health insurance benefits, and travel money
- Where? Valencia, Spain, Mediterranean, nice weather, hike and beach. Excellent cost-of-living index = 55

*** Contact

- Before applying: Informal inquiries may be addressed to Prof. Dr. Gustau Camps-Valls, gustau.camps at uv.es
- Ready to apply? Send your dossier in one single PDF to gustau.camps at uv.es, subject: SEDAL application

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Prof. Gustau Camps-Valls
Image and Signal Processing Group (ISP)
Image Processing Laboratory (IPL)
Office: 3.2.4
Parc Científic - Campus de Paterna
Universitat de València
C/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2
46980 Paterna, València. Spain.
Tlf: +34 963 544 064
Fax: +34 963 543 261
   http://isp.uv.es
   http://www.uv.es/gcamps
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