Associate/Assistant Professor in Satellite Remote Sensing – Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

Chalmers University of Technology is currently inviting applications for an open-rank faculty position in Satellite Remote Sensing. The appointment may be made at either the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This role is housed within the Division of Geoscience and Remote Sensing at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment in Gothenburg, Sweden.

As published via the European Geosciences Union (EGU) portal, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Earth observation science, especially in the context of satellite-based instrumentation and air quality applications. 

About the Position

Faculty Title and Scope

This is an open-rank academic appointment:

• Assistant Professor (tenure-track)

• Associate Professor (tenured, based on prior academic achievements)

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute significantly to the development of new satellite instruments and Earth observation methodologies, with a particular emphasis on applications related to air quality monitoring. This includes both hardware and algorithm development for atmospheric data retrieval from space.

Join Chalmers University of Technology in shaping the future of environmental monitoring. This prestigious faculty role in satellite remote sensing focuses on Earth observation and instrument development, especially for air quality applications. Conduct cutting-edge research, mentor PhD students, and collaborate globally to advance atmospheric science and sustainability.

Research Emphasis

The role primarily focuses on:

• Development and validation of satellite-based remote sensing instruments

• Algorithm design for retrieving atmospheric variables (e.g., pollutants like NO₂, ozone, PM2.5)

• Data fusion techniques integrating multi-sensor satellite observations

• Applications in air quality assessment, climate studies, and environmental policy support

This is a strategic hire aimed at enhancing Chalmers’ already established excellence in remote sensing and Earth system science.

Departmental Environment

Host Department

The position is based within the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE), which operates at the interface of environmental science, space technology, and sustainability. The SEE department plays a pivotal role in advancing Sweden’s contribution to global satellite missions and environmental modeling.

Research Ecosystem

Researchers in this division benefit from:

• Close collaboration with the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA) and European Space Agency (ESA)

• Participation in international satellite missions such as SMHI, Copernicus, and Sentinel programs

• Access to cutting-edge facilities for satellite payload testing and validation

• Opportunities to contribute to Sweden’s NewSpace innovation ecosystem, fostering technology transfer and real-world applications

Applicant Profile

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to:

  • Remote Sensing

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Environmental Sciences

  • Physics or Atmospheric Sciences

• A strong and consistent publication record in high-impact journals

• Demonstrated expertise in satellite instrumentation or retrieval algorithms

Additional Requirements

• Proven experience in securing research funding (especially for Associate level)

• Capability and willingness to supervise doctoral students

• Interest in academic leadership and curriculum development

• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Swedish is not mandatory but beneficial

For Assistant Professor Applicants

Applicants at the Assistant level should demonstrate postdoctoral experience and evidence of growing research independence. The position provides support for career development, including mentorship and leadership training.

For Associate Professor Applicants

Candidates at the Associate level must present a proven track record in:

• Independent research leadership

• PhD supervision

• Teaching excellence at undergraduate or postgraduate levels

Pedagogical training or a formal teaching portfolio is advantageous but not compulsory at the time of application.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Research

• Conduct and lead high-quality research aligned with the strategic goals of the department

• Develop internationally competitive proposals for external funding

• Publish consistently in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals

Teaching and Supervision

• Teach courses at undergraduate and graduate levels within relevant programs

• Supervise thesis projects and doctoral students (a funded PhD position will be available)

• Participate in curriculum development, especially for Earth observation and remote sensing modules

Collaboration and Engagement

• Establish interdisciplinary collaborations within Chalmers and beyond

• Partner with space agencies, government institutions, and private sector stakeholders

• Contribute to outreach activities and public engagement related to environmental monitoring

Financial Support and Resources

Salary and Benefits

Chalmers offers a competitive salary and full-time benefits package, which includes:

• Full coverage for healthcare and social security

• Pension contributions

• Paid vacation and family leave

• Relocation assistance and housing support for international faculty

Research Funding and Facilities

The department provides:

• Start-up funding to launch your research program

• A fully funded PhD position from the outset

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and satellite simulation environments

• Institutional support for international conference travel and publications

Application Details

Deadline

• Application Deadline: No specific deadline stated. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.

Application Portal

All applications must be submitted via the Chalmers official recruitment portal. Submissions through the EGU site will be redirected.

Application Materials

Applicants must upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae with publication list

• Cover letter outlining motivation and fit for the position

• Statement of research vision (2–3 pages)

• Teaching statement and pedagogical experience

• Contact information for three professional references

Note: Applicants are encouraged to describe how their expertise contributes to air quality monitoring or aligns with Chalmers’ research priorities.

Selection Process

The recruitment process is merit-based and includes:

• Internal and external peer review

• Evaluation of research impact, teaching potential, and academic leadership

• Interviews with the departmental hiring committee

• Final approval by the Faculty Appointment Board at Chalmers

The university actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups and supports work-life balance, inclusivity, and gender equality.

Why Chalmers?

Chalmers University of Technology is a globally recognized institution with a robust academic framework that emphasizes innovation, environmental sustainability, and global collaboration. Located in Gothenburg, one of Sweden’s most livable cities, the university offers an outstanding quality of life and access to nature, culture, and technology.

As part of the GENIE Initiative (Gender Initiative for Excellence), Chalmers is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse research environment.

Impact on Air Quality Research

This position contributes directly to global efforts in environmental monitoring. Satellite remote sensing has emerged as a critical tool for:

• Quantifying urban air pollution

• Modeling greenhouse gas concentrations

• Assessing environmental policy effectiveness

• Early detection of wildfire emissions and dust storms

With growing global concern over public health and climate change, your work in this position can inform real-world solutions and global policy.

Summary and Takeaway

Chalmers University’s call for an Associate or Assistant Professor in Satellite Remote Sensing represents a high-impact opportunity for scholars focused on Earth observation and environmental science. The position offers significant research freedom, full institutional support, and the chance to contribute to pressing global challenges such as air quality monitoring.

Whether you’re an early-career researcher or a seasoned academic, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of satellite-based Earth monitoring.

Program Overview

References

1. https://www.egu.eu/jobs/

2. https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13806

FAQs