PhD student in Geospatial Information Science - Artificial Intelligence

The Department of Computer Science and Geospatial Sciences at the University of Gävle is seeking a PhD student to undertake doctoral studies in geographic artificial intelligence (GeoAI) and its applications in geographic information processing.

Job Description

The position is a PhD studentship in geospatial information science with a technical and computer science orientation. The doctoral programme includes writing a scientific compilation dissertation equivalent to 180 higher education credits and completing courses totalling at least 60 higher education credits. The successful candidate may also be involved in teaching and administrative duties, up to a maximum of 20% of a full-time position. Such duties will extend the duration of the employment accordingly.The successful candidate is expected to perform the majority of their work on campus and regularly participate in faculty activities such as seminars and meetings.

Project Description

The project in geographical artificial intelligence (GeoAI) focuses on AI methods for recognition, classification, and analysis of geographical data such as aerial or satellite images, radar images, laser measurements, or other data with spatial significance. Generative GeoAI creates new data for analysis and decision-making (e.g., maps, route plans, construction plans) or as new training data for AI.

Application areas include sectors that are critical for society such as sustainable transport, agriculture and forestry, climate and environmental studies, as well as energy and urban planning. The research in this project examines how various factors affect GeoAI methods and the reliability of their results, aiming to enhance understanding of the methods' possibilities and limitations. The successful candidate will contribute through design and case studies, developing, adapting, and evaluating AI-based methods in selected application areas.

Qualifications

To be admitted to doctoral studies (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Sections 39–40), the applicant must meet the general entry requirements:

• Hold a master's degree.
• Have completed at least 240 credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are at the master's level, or have acquired equivalent knowledge in another way, either in Sweden or abroad.

For admission to doctoral studies in Geospatial Information Science at the University of Gävle, the specific entry requirements, as per the general study plan, include:

• At least 90 credits in a subject relevant to geospatial information science at either undergraduate or postgraduate level, or equivalent, of which at least 15 credits must be from a thesis project.
• Alternatively, the applicant must have acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

All eligibility requirements must be met by the application deadline.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Strong proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Relevant expertise in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and image analysis.
• Personal qualities such as independence, creativity, motivation, and a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Outstanding academic records.

Desirable/Additional Merits:

Previous research-related experience in a relevant field is considered an advantage. Knowledge of Swedish or another Scandinavian language is also valued. 

Information on Admission and Employment

 Only candidates admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as PhD students. The total period of employment must not exceed four years of full-time doctoral studies. A PhD student may carry out teaching or administrative tasks of up to 20% of full-time employment, extending the total employment period accordingly. The initial contract is for a maximum of one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two years at a time. 

Application

Welcome with your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete upon submission.

The application must include:

• A CV detailing relevant professional experience and qualifications, including a list of referees. 
• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) explaining:
  • Your motivation for pursuing doctoral studies.
  • What you can contribute to this specific PhD project.
  • Your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals.
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies, along with proof of meeting the language requirements (see above).
• Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are in another language.
• Representative publications, technical reports, or other documents supporting your application. For longer documents, include a summary and a web link to the full text.