Institute for Earth Observation, Eurac Research, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy.
Eurac Research is a leading interdisciplinary research center nestled in the heart of the Alps. At the Institute for Earth Observation, Eurac Research specializes in monitoring environmental processes in mountain regions using satellite and climate data. It manages extensive EO datasets and fosters an international, collaborative environment.
The Mountain Cryosphere Group is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (within 3 years of PhD completion) to develop innovative workflows for monitoring snow and ice. You will play a key role in two major international initiatives:
1. SNOWCOP (Horizon Europe): Developing high-resolution Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) and ice melt reanalysis for the extra-tropical Andes;
2. ESA CCI+ Snow: Contributing to the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative to provide long-term satellite-based products for climate monitoring.
Application deadline 22 February 2026
Tasks & Key Responsibilities
- Design and maintain end-to-end EO data processing pipelines, from sensor calibration to the extraction of geophysical variables.
- Implement machine learning and image processing techniques to fuse optical and SAR data with in-situ observations.
- Work closely with international partners to meet project deliverables for SNOWCOP and ESA CCI.
- Document code and workflows following FAIR principles.
- Publish findings in high-impact journals and present research at international conferences.
Requirements
Essential
- Education: PhD in Remote Sensing, Environmental Engineering, Geoinformatics, Telecommunications, or a related field (obtained within the last 3 years).
- Technical Expertise: Solid experience in processing Optical and SAR imagery and geospatial analysis.
- Programming: Proficiency in Python for EO data science (e.g., Xarray, PyTorch/Scikit-learn).
- Methodology: Strong background in data classification and advanced Machine Learning.
- Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to mentor junior researchers.
- Flexibility and motivation to learn new concepts
- Very good English (spoken and written)
- Relocating to Bolzano
Desirable
- Experience with snow models or SWE estimation from remote sensing.
- Familiarity with High-Performance Computing (HPC) and/or Cloud computing (openEO).
Why Join Eurac Research?
- Work on high-stakes climate research projects with global impact.
- Access to state-of-the-art EO data infrastructure.
- Living and working in Bolzano, a unique cultural hub at the gateway to the Dolomites.
Eurac Offers:
- 1-year contract with possibility of extension
- A supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
- State-of-the-art technical facilities (soft- and hardware, communication tools)
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible working hours
- Benefits (e.g. family-friendly benefits, lunch card, integrative health insurance, etc.)
- Access to numerous scientific and cultural facilities and events of Eurac
- An attractive working place in a vivid city in the heart of the Alps with endless opportunities for skiing, hiking, climbing
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their online application (CV, cover letter and further relevant documents) by 15 February 2026 through the Eurac online platform.
If you meet most, but not all, requirements, you are still encouraged to apply!
Note: Applications that are fully AI-generated tend to be easy to recognize and often lack the specificity, clarity, and personal insight needed for a strong evaluation. While Eurac Research does not explicitly discourage the use of AI tools to assist in preparing application materials, applicants should ensure that their submission genuinely reflects their own experience, motivation, and voice.
Company: Eurac Research
Location: Bozen/Bolzano
Entry date: immediately
Contact person: Paola Winkler
Phone number: +39 0471 055 383
E-mail address: earth.observation@eurac.edu