Job Description

The Post

The University of Stirling invites applications for a highly motivated Earth observation scientist to join Scotland's International Environment Centre and work as part of a team of scientists and technical specialists delivering world-leading research and innovation in the development and application of digital technologies for environmental management.



This successful applicant will initially work on two major projects. Firstly, an exciting new UKRI-BBSRC funded research project to develop a digital 'System of Systems' for sustainable aquaculture in the Mekong Delta led by the Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) at the University of Stirling. This interdisciplinary project builds jointly on the world leading research located at the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH-IoA) and the Forth-ERA Digital Observatory within Scotland's International Environment Centre. Secondly, a project under the umbrella of Forth-ERA to advance the use of satellite data for monitoring inland and coastal water quality across Scotland. We anticipate that the successful candidate will spend around one third of their time on the Forth-ERA project.



We are looking for an outstanding candidate with expertise in the processing, analysis and application of satellite data in environmental monitoring and management. Experience in the use of satellite data for water quality applications would be particularly beneficial, although not essential. In addition, experience in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, sensor networks and/or data visualisation would also be highly advantageous.

For further information on the projects that will take place during this contract please review the attachment.

Please contact Professor Andrew N. Tyler (a.n.tyler@stir.ac.uk), Professor Vagelis Spyrakos (evangelos.spyrakos@stir.ac.uk) or Professor Peter Hunter (p.d.hunter@stir.ac.uk) for further information about this position.

Description of Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to engage with the international scientific community, policymakers and various water-related sectors to understand their needs and expectations with respect to Earth observation and to develop innovative data products and services to address these. As an integral member of the research group, the postholder will be expected to:



Grade 7


Assist on new and innovative optical remote sensing methods and applications for monitoring and managing aquatic environments under study, the Mekong river delta and the Forth river system Develop, test and apply algorithms for the processing and analysis of satellite data drawing on the latest physics-based and/or data-driven techniques Contribute to work on the automation and operationalise of remote sensing processing chains and their deployment in cloud using the latest approaches to the containisation and orchestration Provide advice and expertise on remote sensing and data science methods and approaches supporting other areas of research activity Contribute to supporting project development through research and innovation strategy for both the BBSRC-ISPF International NATIH -based team and Forth-ERA team located at the SIEC Contribute to research bid development, consultancy, and other funding within the subject area Contribute to efforts to commercialise research outputs and to develop revenue generating products and services Contribute to journal papers, book chapters, reports, think pieces and other research publications

Grade 8


Lead the development of new and innovative optical remote sensing methods and applications for monitoring and managing aquatic environments under study, the Mekong river delta and the Forth river system Develop, test and apply algorithms for the processing and analysis of satellite data drawing on the latest physics-based and/or data-driven techniques Contribute to work on the automation and operationalise of remote sensing processing chains and their deployment in cloud using the latest approaches to the containisation and orchestration Provide advice and expertise on remote sensing and data science methods and approaches supporting other areas of research activity Contribute to supporting project development through research and innovation strategy for both the BBSRC-ISPF International NATIH -based team and Forth-ERA team located at the SIEC Contribute to research bid development, consultancy, and other funding within the subject area Contribute to efforts to commercialise research outputs and to develop revenue generating products and services Supervise and mentor junior team members contributing to the development of team spirit and coherence Lead and contribute to journal papers, book chapters, reports, think pieces and other research publications

Essential Criteria

Grade 7



Qualifications


Honours Degree and PhD in an appropriate discipline such as Earth observation, data science or computer science

Knowledge, Skills & Experience


Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge, in the application of Earth observation for environmental monitoring and management in academia or industry to contribute to the development of research programmes and methodologies Ability to routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media Demonstrable experience in the development and application of algorithms for the analysis of remote sensing data using physical, statistical and/or machine learning approaches Knowledge of the latest remote sensing techniques, key satellite missions (e.g. Copernicus) and their application to environmental monitoring Ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results via appropriate media such as conference or publication Extensive interpersonal skills including evidence of being responsible for a small research project or identified parts of a large project Proficiency in scientific programming in one or more languages (must include Python) and an ability to self-learn new technical skills Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Grade 8



Qualifications


Honours Degree and PhD in an appropriate discipline such as Earth observation, data science or computer science

Knowledge, Skills & Experience


In-depth understanding of Earth observation for environmental monitoring and management in academia or industry to enable the development of new knowledge and understanding within the field Extensive experience in the development and application of algorithms for the analysis of remote sensing data using physical, statistical and/or machine learning approaches Extensive knowledge of the latest remote sensing techniques, key satellite missions (e.g. Copernicus) and their application to environmental monitoring High proficiency in scientific programming in one or more languages (must include Python) and an ability to self-learn new technical skills Experience of planning and organising workload, including the ability to supervise and delegate work Demonstrate published research in high quality publications demonstrating standards of excellence Evidence of successfully developing research proposals and to attract significant funding and research students, as appropriate to the discipline

Desirable Criteria

Grade 7



Qualifications


Membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including Higher Education Academy)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience


Experience in the application of remote sensing techniques for monitoring water quality Demonstrable experience developing operational remote sensing processing chains, ideally in a cloud environment Experience in the integration of data from remote sensing, in situsensors and/or models Desire and potential to raise research grant income Experience of managing a small research project or identified parts of a large project Experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities Work experience in a research environment

Grade 8



Qualifications


Membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including Higher Education Academy) Nationally recognised authority in the subject area

Knowledge, Skills & Experience


Extensive experience in the application of remote sensing techniques for monitoring water quality Experience developing operational remote sensing processing chains, ideally in a cloud environment Experience in the integration of data from remote sensing, in situsensors and/or models Desire and potential to raise research grant income Experience of supervising colleagues with less experience Experience of managing a small research project or identified parts of a large project Experience in research commercialisation and the development of marketable products and services Experience of multi/inter-disciplinary research Experience of student assessment activities Experience of teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels

Additional Information

Full time

Fixed term for 24 months



Salary will depend on candidate's skills and experience:


Grade 7: 38,249 - 45,413 p.a. or


Grade 8: 46,735 - 55,755 p.a.



The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on the week commencing Monday 25 August 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending

on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02036