KTP Research Associate: Development and Application of a Novel Forest Monitoring System
LTS International & School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh
Vacancy Reference: 3016318
Closing date: 12 October 2012
Job Details
Job title: KTP Research Associate
Institutions: LTS International and School of GeoSciences
Duration: 24 months
Job Purpose
This post is part of a collaborative project between LTS International Ltd and the University of Edinburgh to develop and implement a tool for mapping forest dynamics in developing countries, including generating forest biomass, forest degradation and deforestation maps from radar data, to support sustainable land use management, particularly in the climate change mitigation and adaptation contexts.
You will be based at LTS International Ltd, just outside Edinburgh, but work closely with staff in the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences. You will develop an understanding of the context for developing mapping techniques for forest biomass and forest loss in relation to LTS's core business. This will form the basis for the development of a cutting-edge new forest monitoring system that you will plan, develop, trial and implement through LTS projects. This will require international travel and field work in one or more developing countries. You will also map out a pathway to increase the international impact of, and develop a future funding stream for, the forest monitoring system.
Main Responsibilities
- Review of LTS Business and Context for Biomass/Forest-Loss Mapping Products, identifying the key existing products and scope for disrupting the market.
- Plan for developing new forest monitoring system including key stages, dependencies, costs and time estimate
- Develop and refine forest monitoring system with hardware/cloud solution for storing and processing data installed, data management systems coded and implemented and processing chain coded and documented. Opportunities for application of GIS data handling to be brought in house are to be identified and implemented.
- Mentor LTS colleagues in relation to forest mapping, monitoring and the use and application of the developed system
- Quantify uncertainty in the outputs with specification detailing user needs and good practice in uncertainty estimates and the creation of uncertainty module in processing code and uncertainty products
Pilot trials implementing full forest monitoring system as part of LTS's work in two locations, with final version of biomass mapping products made available to clients. - Reflect on and refine forest monitoring system. Fully document the system and its use. Produce a report that outlines future developments, identifies resources required for future development and is fully costed. The report should also outline and demonstrate the new knowledge/capability embedded within LTS.
- Develop pathway to greater impact and future funding through the development of a business model for new system and a report on future opportunities for expansion of use.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job
| Essential | Desirable |
| Experience of developing geospatial analyses and workflows, using a suitable programming language (e.g. Python) | PhD in subject related to Geoinformatics, e.g. Informatics, GIS, remote sensing, image processing |
| An MSc in a subject related to Geoinformatics, e.g. Informatics, GIS, remote sensing, image processing. On demonstration of suitably relevant professional experience and aptitude, exceptional candidates that hold a BSc (Hons 1st or 2:1) in Maths or Science may also be considered | Experience of visual communication of complex data sets |
| Expertise in planning and undertaking extensive ecological fieldwork in the tropics | Experience of working in developing countries |
| Experience of managing and processing data (including both GIS and image processing) | Knowledge of the use of satellite data for land management |
| Experience of managing large data sets | Understanding of radar systems and physics |
| An interest in the application of technological solutions to 'real world' projects and challenges. | An interest in the development context of land management in tropical countries |
| Self-motivation and the ability to plan and organise time | Influencing and social marketing skills that enable effective client networking and informal promotion of the new system being developed |
| A willingness to travel internationally and an aptitude to constructively engage with clients and partners from diverse cultural backgrounds |
In return, the position offers the Associate the following benefits:
- A planned programme of training courses, including Management Training
- The support and resources of the University
- A challenging and rewarding job, with real responsibility
- The potential for good career development with the company at the end of the scheme
- The possibility of registering for a higher degree with the University
- The opportunity to make important and tangible improvements in a small but dynamic company
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries should be directed to Casey Ryan (
Information about the University and School
The University of Edinburgh
For information about the University of Edinburgh, please visit http://www.ed.ac.uk/about/
The College of Science and Engineering
For information about the College of Science and Engineering, please visithttp://www.scieng.ed.ac.uk/About/index.asp
LTS International Ltd
For information about LTS International, please visit http:///www.ltsi.co.uk
LTS International is a high growth SME providing professional and committed consultancy and project management services to support sustainable land development in the public and private sectors across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
The main business is project management of large forest projects globally. They have won major contracts with the World Bank and the Norwegian Government who is investing very heavily in the protection and management of global forests. The main business services are consultancy led:
" Specialist Forestry Services and Carbon Management
" Environment and Economy
" Communication, Learning and Knowledge
" Climate Change
The School of GeoSciences
For information about the School of GeoSciences, please visit http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk
Who we are: In the School of GeoSciences we explore the factors and forces that shape our world. We aim to develop a better understanding of the coupled Earth System, that is, the interactions between the Earth's geosphere, atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and cryosphere, the drivers of variability and change, and the roles and responses of humans in this complex interplay. With over 370 academics, researchers and research students, we are the largest grouping of geoscientists in the UK. Research activity is currently coordinated within three main Research Institutes Global Change, Earth and Planetary Science, and Geography and the Lived Environment and within many smaller research groupings that may reach beyond the School.
Distinctive features: A distinguishing feature of the School is the combination of breadth, relevance and strength of our research and teaching. For example, our teaching and research embrace issues relating to equality and vulnerability, development and sustainability, climate and environmental change, energy, food and water security, mitigation of anthropogenic environmental change, natural resources, waste management, and natural disasters. By creating and supporting an intellectual environment that explicitly strives to remove barriers between disciplines, engenders ambition, and encourages internal and external collaboration, we are ideally placed to help lead in addressing some of the most compelling issues of our time. We are addressing many current 'grand challenges' effectively though: building on strong core disciplines that include ecology, environmental sciences, geography, geology, geophysics, meteorology and oceanography; utilising approaches that range from whole-system-scale modelling to process studies and critical analysis; and actively fostering collaboration with academic and non-academic stakeholders within and beyond the University.
Attributes we seek
- Colleagues who aspire to excellence and a world-leading reputation in their areas of research and are equally committed to developing excellence and innovation in teaching.
- Staff who have a clear desire to communicate beyond discipline boundaries and who are open to the opportunities inherent in a broad, large School.
- Academic staff members need to have the adaptability, skill sets, interest and perspective that will enable them to evolve the focus of their research and teaching in response to changes in research agenda, external demands and funding opportunities.
- Colleagues should be willing and able to play a full part in the School (proportionate to seniority) and to be willing and able to take on management and leadership roles in research and teaching.
Terms of employment
The post is full-time for 24 months, with a salary in the range of £18,000 - £22,000. You will be located in LTS International Ltd.
Application Procedure
We encourage all applicants to apply online at www.jobs.ed.ac.uk. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV.
If you do not have access to a computer, you can call our recruitment line on +44 (0)131 650 2511 for an application pack. This will be posted out to you for you to complete and return. Please return the Application form and all enclosures (except the equal opportunities form) to Faten Adam, School of Geosciences, The University of Edinburgh, The Grant Institute, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JW by the closing date of 12 October 2012. Return the equal opportunities form in the separate prepaid envelope.
To complete the application process both online and in paper format, you need to complete the (i) Application Form, (ii) Additional Personal Information Form, (iii) Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form, and (iv) Rehabilitation of Offenders Form. Please also include a brief statement addressing how your application meets the Person Specification and the names and addresses of 2 referees. We cannot guarantee to consider late applications.
Please quote reference no: 3016318
Closing Date: 12 October 2012
