Junior Data Scientist / Junior Data Scientistess

Join Our Team as a Data Scientist

Are you an ambitious data scientist with strong analytical and numerical skills, along with expertise in geomatics, remote sensing, and data processing? If so, we invite you to join our team and help shape the future of Earth observation in forest management.

Your Role

You will become a part of FORM (the Professorship of Forest Resources Management), contributing to:

• The acquisition, processing, and interpretation of satellite and drone data.
• The development of operational applications for emerging intelligent earth observation technologies.

Our researchers are engaged in developing cutting-edge algorithms and AI-based solutions for data processing and validation. They provide scientific expertise for the implementation of future remote sensing missions. The team’s work bridges earth observation with applied forest monitoring, encompassing tree species identification, forest structural changes, and assessments of forest resilience. There is a growing focus on spectral and functional trait analysis to support biodiversity and genetic monitoring in forestry.

The TreeAI Global Initiative seeks to extend the current database and map individual trees—essential tasks that support effective forest management. Utilizing aerial RGB imagery, we aim to create a cost-effective, automated system for detecting and identifying tree species, with broad applications in forest monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire and harmonize new spatial and aerial datasets for the TreeAI database.
• Support the development of the TreeAI database by integrating various datasets, such as tree species annotations, climate, and topography, into deep learning algorithms.
• Test deep learning models (Transformers and CNNs) for optimal accuracy using large datasets that include over 110,000 tree species annotations, along with climatic, topographic, and lidar data.
• Evaluate the best algorithms developed for tree species identification over large areas.

Qualifications

• MSc in Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Data Science, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, or a related field from an internationally recognized university.
• Strong background in geoinformatics and remote sensing is required.
• Experience working with multimodal data fusion and high-resolution remotely sensed data is required.
• Proficiency in programming, particularly in Python.
• Knowledge of deep learning approaches with experience in semantic or instance segmentation is desired.
• Interest in or knowledge of forestry is desired.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

What We Offer

• Engagement in cutting-edge research with potential high impact in forestry and deep learning.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Collaboration with diverse communities bridging data science, remote sensing, and forest research, leading to high-impact publications.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.

The position is initially for one year, renewable for up to six years. The desired starting date is 15 February or 1 March 2026 at the latest.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further Information

ETH strives to create a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

For more information about us, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Mirela Beloiu Schwenke via email at mirela.beloiu(at)usys.ethz.ch, or to Ariane Hangartner at ariane.hangartner(at)usys.ethz.ch (for administrative inquiries).