Are you the PhD student who will help to understand the function of marine environmental systems in an exciting internationally renowned research network? In the framework of the program "Digitalization in the Natural Sciences", funded by the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony, we are looking for a highly motivated and bright PhD student to make an impact in the project "Sailing Intelligent Micro Drifter Swarms" (saimidris). We seek candidates with interests in physics, engineering, optics and sensor technology, artificial intelligence in a challenging maritime environment. The Institute for Laser and Optics (ILO) at the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, Faculty of Technology, Emden Campus, has an opening to be filled as soon as possible with 75% of the regular weekly working hours of a full-time job - limited until February 29st, 2024:

PhD position in the project task “Development and integration of pollutant and oceanographic sensors into drifters”

Code number T 237 The University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer is a driving force for the region and sets an example for innovative developments in the northwest with excellent equipment for applied research. The "saimidris" project is being carried out by closely collaborating interdisciplinary partners, i.e. the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) Laboratory Niedersachsen. You will conceptualize and develop innovative sensor technology targeting the spread of pollutants and tracer substances in the North Sea. Small objects equipped with artificial intelligence technology carry the sensors and drift autonomously with the sea currents behaving like a swarm. These drifters are designed to be deployed for an autonomously monitoring. Preparing design studies to perform validations of sensory equipment and test setups by simulations and laboratory modeling involves also control and automation tasks, as simplifying and miniaturizing complex optical detecting systems. You will contribute to a better understanding of the function of marine environmental systems through the close interdisciplinary collaboration of the scientific disciplines (chemistry, biology, physics, mathematical modeling). Within the scope of the cooperation with the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg in Engineering Physics, we offer an inspiring working atmosphere for the successful completion of a doctorate. Your tasks:

• Interdisciplinary linking of physics, engineering and IT science challenges in a marine environment
• Design and development of sensory instrumentation, simulation and modelling of operations
• Conception and execution of experiments on ship and construction of demonstrators
• Design, acquisition, and integration of system components, real-time capable interfaces and control software
• Preparation and presentation of research results in appropriate media, publications and at scientific conferences

Your profile:

• Above-average university degree (master's degree, Diploma), preferably physics or relevant engineering sciences
• Experience in (optical) sensor technology, instrumentation, and data processing
• Experience in experimental or engineering practice
• Knowledge in automation and IT/AI technologies
• Distinct flexibility, willingness to learn as well as readiness for interdisciplinary cooperation and teamwork
• Willingness and aptitude to participate in seagoing expeditions of several days on research vessels
• Very good communication skills, both written and spoken, in German and English

We offer:
We offer independent work within a committed team in close contact with researchers, staff, and students. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Walter Neu (e-mail: walter.neu@hs-emden-leer.de). Equal opportunities are an integral part of our personnel policy. The university strives to increase the number of female employees and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Disabled applicants will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. We look forward to your application!
Please forward your application by April 21^st, 2021 including all relevant documents, quoting the reference number, online via our career portal. Hochschule Emden/Leer
Personalabteilung
Constantiaplatz 4 · 26723 Emden
career portal www.hs-emden-leer.de