CREAF
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER FOR C-GLOPS1 PROJECT (REF. 26-021-2648)
🇪🇸Barcelona, Catalonia, SpainRemote available14 days ago
€34,126 – €37,034Full Time
CREAF is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work in the C-GLOPS1 (Copernicus Land Monitoring Service) - Framework Contract for the operation, evaluation and evolution of the Global Land component of the Copernicus Land Service. Lot 1: Operation of the Global Land Component, thematic domain Vegetation and Energy with ref. 945120 – IPR – 2023 and funded by the European Union.
The Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, operational since 2013, provides global biogeophysical information on land cover, vegetation dynamics, the hydrological cycle, and energy balance to support environmental policy and decision-making. CREAF contributes to the Copernicus Global Land Operations “Vegetation and Energy” (C-GLOPS1) by generating consistent long-term time series of biogeophysical variables. CREAF leads the scientific development of algorithms to estimate key vegetation variables (LAI, FAPAR and FCOVER) from PROBA-V and Sentinel-3 satellite data. These variables are essential for understanding ecosystem processes and monitoring vegetation dynamics.
A full-time contract is offered (37.5 hours per week) with immediate start, and a duration until Agost 31, 2027, with the possibility of extending it if required and the budget allows The offered salary is between €34.126,49 gross per year (corresponding to category I4) and €37.033,64 gross per year (corresponding to category I3).
MAIN FUNCTIONS
Develop retrieval algorithms for the estimation of biophysical variables from satellite EU Copernicus observations.
Analyse Earth Observation and Climate datasets for Global Change studies.
Develop and implement algorithms and tools for data processing and visualisation using programming languages, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and big data.
Prepare high-quality technical documentation, reports, and scientific manuscripts.
Deliver compelling presentations on technical and scientific topics.
Actively contribute to science communication and the dissemination of research findings.
Contribute to proposal writing and fundraising efforts for research and development projects.
PhD in Environmental Sciences, Biology, or similar.
Solid understanding of Remote Sensing, terrestrial ecosystems and Global Change.
Solid experience in handling and analysing large-scale environmental datasets.
Experience in programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, SQL, or other relevant languages) for geospatial data analysis.
Advanced GIS skills (e.g. QGIS, ArcGIS, ENVI, PostGIS). Proven record of strong writing and presentation skills.
Experience in scientific publications and research dissemination.
Experience in proposal writing and/or fundraising.
Excellent command of English (spoken and written).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
ASESSABLE CONDITIONS
Previous experience at CREAF.
Previous experience with Copernicus data.
Expertise in machine learning for Earth Observation.
Expertise in cloud computing and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
Excellent command of Spanish and/or Catalan.
Experience living and working abroad.
Candidates with a certified disability of 33% or more will be prioritized, provided the disability is compatible with the position's responsibilities.
SELECTION PROCES AND CRITERIA
Application submission: Interested candidates must apply to the position and attach the required documentation, an English CV, and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) until May 9th, 2026. Applications submitted through any portal other than CREAF’s job board or not following the indicated instructions will not be accepted.
Pre-selection: Assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
Selection: Evaluation of shortlisted candidates based on objective criteria, interviews with a short list of candidates, and completion of a proposed exercise.
Final decision: If a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally notified of the selection, and all other participants in the process will be informed by email.
