Open Call: Postdoctoral Researcher in Global Delta Dynamics from Satellite Observations
Open Call: Postdoctoral Researcher in Global Delta Dynamics from Satellite Observations
Project: DELTA-Hub (Horizon Europe ERA Chairs), ERA Chair Prof. Edward Anthony
Host: University of Bucharest — Sfântu Gheorghe Marine and Fluvial Research Station
Duration: 2 years | Start: flexible | Gross salary: ≈4,000 EUR/month
Applications: reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled
A new generation of satellite missions — SWOT, NISAR, and altimetry and multispectral time series (ICESat-2, Sentinel-2/3/6, Landsat) — is transforming what we can observe about how river deltas route water, flood and drain, and exchange sediment with rivers and coasts. Deltas remain nearly virgin territory for these datasets, and the first wave of studies will define the field.
DELTA-Hub is looking for a researcher to lead this effort and shape their own research line within satellite-based delta science, from developing new data products to global comparative analyses across the world's deltas.
What you could work on
- Global-scale analysis of delta hydrodynamics and morphodynamics from SWOT and NISAR — water slopes, water-level variability, connectivity, and inundation — fusing altimetry, SAR, and multispectral data.
- Machine-learning approaches for classification, retrieval, and pattern discovery in large Earth-observation datasets, including geospatial foundation models.
- Connecting satellite observations with DELTA-Hub's numerical models and in-situ measurements in the Danube Delta.
Who we are looking for
- PhD in Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing, Hydrology, Geodesy, Physical Geography, Oceanography, Data Science, or a related field
- Strong Python programming and experience handling large geospatial datasets
- Genuine curiosity about deltaic and coastal systems and their global significance
Experience with radar altimetry, SAR/InSAR or SWOT data, machine learning for Earth observation, cloud geospatial platforms (Google Earth Engine, Pangeo), hydrodynamic modelling, or GIS is a plus.
Why this position
- Direct collaboration with NASA JPL — active joint work with the SWOT science team, with the opportunity for a research stay
- First-mover advantage in a fast-moving, data-rich niche with strong potential for first-author publications
- An international network spanning the DELTA-Hub International Advisory Board (TU Delft, Deltares, Tyndall Centre, Wageningen University, and more), with funded visits to partner institutions
- Competitive salary, conference travel, optional fieldwork in the Danube Delta, and active support for your own fellowship applications (e.g. MSCA)
How to apply
Send your CV (including publication list), a one-page motivation letter (tell us what you would do with these datasets), and contact details of two referees to delta.hub@geo.unibuc.ro. Applications are reviewed as they arrive, until the position is filled.