Senior Earth Observation Scientist for Applied Research

In the context of the expansion of its activities in Earth Observation (EO), GIM is looking for a senior remote sensing expert to strengthen its team. For several years GIM has been developing operational services deriving specific information from time series of very high resolution optical satellite images to support business activities of customers in the precision farming and agro-forestry applications areas. In this framework GIM has been developing innovative image processing chains and is currently focussing on their automation.

GIM is thus looking to appoint an enthusiastic senior self-starter to support its EO team in meeting these research challenges. This position, based in Heverlee (Belgium), calls for at least 5 years of practical experience in satellite image processing and workflows development. The successful candidate will have a high potential to be recognised as an expert and resource person in the remote sensing field. He will be capable of bringing scientific and technical innovation in the EO team and of supporting and supervising his colleagues. He will report to the Team Manager.

Job description

The main working language is English as most of the activities will be realised in the framework of European research projects (e.g. funded by ESA, FP7 or directly by the clients). The role will embrace:

• analysis of the user requirements and their translation into functional requirements
• development of innovative image processing workflows in an operational context
• conceptual design and implementation of Image Understanding Systems based on Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) concepts and spatial analysis methodologies
• automation of these workflows using programming languages such as C++, Java or Python
• validation of developed prototypes and the elaboration of appropriate quality control mechanisms
• understanding and interpretation of the derived information and its postprocessing to meet customer needs and achieved integration into current business practices
• contribution to the drafting of technical parts of project proposals
• supervision of colleagues and the provision of technical support
• monitoring of scientific and technical innovation and the implementation of best practices

Your profile

Considering the main application areas, the applicant should have a background in agronomy. The required key experience and attributes are:

• university degree in science
• complementary degree in remote sensing or PhD in a relevant Earth Observation subject
• at least 5 years of practical experience in EO projects involving very high resolution optical image processing workflows specification, development, implementation and validation

Essential skills

• understanding of EO data and services at an expert level
• understanding of GIS concepts
• in depth knowledge of OBIA and command of eCognition software package
• very good skills in programming in one or several relevant programming languages (e.g. C++, Java, Python, IDL) and significant experience in processing chains automation
• skills in writing scientific/technical documents

Desirable skills

• spatial analysis in ArcGIS and FME software packages
• time series analysis and change detection

Qualities

• creative team player with an innovative and problem solving attitude
• enthusiastic and results-oriented self-starter

If you wish to apply for this job, please send your motivation letter with your curriculum vitae, mentioning the reference VAC/13/SR_EO, to:

GIM nv
For the attention of Vincent Tigny
Researchpark Haasrode
Interleuvenlaan 5
3001 Heverlee
Or by e-mail to info@gim.be, mentioning the reference VAC/13/SR_EO in the subject