PhD Student Position in UAV-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar Remote Sensing

The SAR Remote Sensing Technology Group at the Chair of Earth Observation and Remote Sensing, Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, is inviting applications for a PhD student opportunity (100%, fully funded, for 4 years) within a research project on UAV-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing starting in spring 2025.

You will join an innovative, highly motivated international research team to investigate advanced SAR imaging algorithms and geo-/biophysical parameter retrieval approaches relevant for future satellite SAR remote sensing concepts. Derived applications include, but are not limited to, 3-D vegetation structure/biomass retrieval, measurement of ground motion (landslides, subsidence) using monostatic and bistatic SAR.
Your research will involve

1. investigating, developing, and implementing advanced SAR imaging/signal processing algorithms and geo-/biophysical parameter retrieval methods for different SAR sensor constellations and data acquisition modes (e.g., multi-baseline SAR interferometry, SAR tomography, bistatic SAR)
2. demonstrating and validating these new methods with SAR remote sensing experiments using state-of-the-art compact frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar instrumentation and GNSS-aided inertial navigation integrated on a multicopter UAV.

The research project provides an excellent opportunity to start a research career in the growing domain of SAR remote sensing with access to extensive expertise in the areas of SAR imaging from agile platforms (UAVs, automobiles), aircraft, and satellites, as well as radar instrumentation, and navigation. You will publish your research results in peer-reviewed journal articles and present them at international conferences.

Required qualifications:

• Outstanding Master’s degree (MSc) in electrical/telecomunications engineering, geomatics engineering, aerospace engineering, geodesy, geophysics, physics, computer science, or a related field, with a background in digital signal processing and/or image processing.
• Strong analytical and implementation skills with
• a good foundation in mathematics, physics, data analysis, and
• strong programming skills (Python, Matlab, C/C++, or equivalent).
• Capable / keen to develop and implement SAR signal-processing algorithms in such a programming language.
• Independent, creative and solution-oriented way of working, characterized by curiosity and a drive for innovation.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to adapt to new technologies and research questions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Excellent English skills (oral and written).
• Hands-on attitude towards technology and radar experiments in the field, including
• willingness to obtain a drone pilot certificate A1/A3 and to pilot a multicopter drone for UAV-based SAR experiments.
• A valid driver’s license (European Cat. B) - required to conduct UAV-based SAR experiments in the field.

The following additional qualifications are advantageous:

• Previous experience in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) signal processing or another field of array signal processing.
• Previous experience / hands-on with radar instrumentation.
• (Basic) knowledge of German.
• A flair for scientific writing.

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.