Junior Research Fellow

Azim Premji University invites application from students with a Masters degree, for the position of Junior Research Fellow to work on ​“SAR Remote Sensing of Himalayan Permafrost”

Azim Premji University, Bengaluru strives to contribute towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The Junior Research Fellow will be responsible for the day-to- day research activities required for the project including field work.

Permafrost, a critical cryosphere variable impacting the global climate system, triggering geohazards and infrastructure stability is a neglected feature in the Himalayan environment. In a warning climate regime, presence and monitoring of permafrost and its thaw needs to be accurately quantified in the glaciated regions of Indian Himalaya. SAR remote sensing data using polarimetric (PolSAR) and interferometric (InSAR) techniques presents opportunities to accurately detect permafrost features and assess its thermodynamic and dynamic status. 

The objective of this PhD project is to develop a synergistic dual-sensor, multi-frequency approach that combines NASA-ISRO’s S- and L‑band NISAR and the ESA’s C‑band Sentinel‑1 satellites towards better monitoring of permafrost processes in the Himalaya. 

Requirements

Candidates must have completed one of the following degrees:
●    MSc in Geology / Geography / Earth System Science / Environmental Science
●    MTech in Geoinformatics / Remote Sensing / GIS or similar field

Desirable Skills & Experience

  • Knowledge of SAR remote sensing, with demonstrated experience in either PolSAR or InSAR techniques or both.
  • Geomorphology of glaciers or Himalayan cryosphere in general
  • Experience in GEE and programming experience in Python or R for machine learning applications is recommended
  • Handling and analysis of SAR satellite imagery (Sentinel‑1 or any other SAR data preferred)
  • DEM processing and terrain analysis
  • Fieldwork experience in Himalayan or high-altitude terrain (preferred)
  • Scientific writing and documentation skills

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Mapping and multi-temporal SAR analysis to detect and monitor permafrost regions
  • Combine PolSAR and InSAR tools to quantify permafrost processes.
  • Develop semi/fully-automated SAR/​machine learning frameworks for detecting cryosphere variables
  • Field data collection and validation (as required)
  • Assistance in report preparation, figures, and scientific documentation

Please email the following documents to  remya.​sn@​apu.​edu.​in with the Subject: Application for JRF, SAR and Himalayan Permafrost

  • Updated CV
  • Brief statement of interest (maximum 1 page)
  • Contact Information of 3 references 
  • Application Form

Resources