Doctoral student (licentiate) in Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation Full-time

Doctoral Student (Licentiate) in Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Built Environment

Project Description

Third-cycle subject: Geodesy and Geoinformatics

We are excited to announce a new PhD position in Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation. This research opportunity will focus on advancing AI-driven Earth Observation (EO) methods for environmental intelligence, with applications including illegal waste monitoring, wildfire emission estimation, and pollution assessment.

The doctoral research will explore cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches for analyzing multi-modal, multi-temporal, and multi-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data. The project aims to develop innovative models capable of capturing complex spatiotemporal dynamics and supporting a broad range of downstream environmental applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on building robust and scalable AI solutions for environmental monitoring, situational awareness, and sustainable decision-making through EO big data analytics.

If you are passionate about applying artificial intelligence to address environmental challenges and have a strong background in machine learning, computer vision, or remote sensing, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the future of AI-driven Earth observation for environmental intelligence.

Supervision: Yifang Ban is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
• Master's Degree in Geomatics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines in natural sciences and engineering.
• Strong proficiency in image analysis, computer vision, pattern recognition, machine learning/deep learning, along with solid background in data science.
• Prior experience with generative AI and/or geospatial foundation models is a valuable asset.
• Proficient coding skills in widely used scientific programming languages, including Python, C++, and Matlab.
• Excellent ability to read and write scientific English and fluent spoken English.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Target Degree: Licentiate Degree

Information Regarding Admission and Employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.