Dear ISPRS Student Consortium Members

Please find below an announcement that could be of interest to you.

Kindly Regards,

Ahmet Sengul

Student Consortium WEB responsible.

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Open PhD position in Geomatics/Virtual Outcrop Geology at
the Centre for Integrated Petroleum Research (CIPR)
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Background

The Virtual Outcrop Geology (VOG) Group at the Centre for Integrated Petroleum Research (CIPR) is seeking a PhD student to work on improving the existing workflow for using 3D spatial data in geological outcrop studies. The project is the second phase of our ongoing virtual outcrop work funded by the Norwegian Research Council's PETROMAKS program, and will be based in CIPR, with employment in Unifob AS (Unifob AS is owned by the University of Bergen). CIPR is the Norwegian Centre of Excellence in petroleum research, and currently consists of 60 researchers and more than 30 PhD candidates.

The use of 3D spatial data collection methods has had a large impact on research into geological outcrops in recent years, with techniques such as photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (lidar) contributing higher resolution and accuracy and allowing more detailed studies to be carried out. These methods allow virtual models of rock outcrops to be created, which are then be used for building geocellular models of the subsurface geology. These geocellular models are in turn used as a means of understanding geological architectures.

The current PhD position is concerned with the improved automation of data collection and processing, by using advanced geomatics techniques for the integration of digital image and terrestrial laser scanning data. The aim is to enhance the quality of photorealistic models, as well as developing algorithms to facilitate the data processing, so that the workflow can be applied by a broader user base without relying on significant expertise in lidar theory and software. A secondary aim is the improved extraction of quantitative data from the virtual outcrop models for feeding into ongoing geological research run by the VOG group.

Required knowledge and skills
       * Suitable applicants should have a master's degree or equivalent in geomatics (particularly photogrammetry), computer science, or other related analytical discipline.
       * Experience in computer programming, image processing and analytical techniques, as algorithm and software development will be central to the success of the research.
       * The applicant should have strong problem-solving and communication skills, including excellent English, and should be willing to travel. A moderate degree of physical fitness is a requirement for fieldwork and a driving licence is desirable.

The PhD student will enter an approved program leading to the degree of PhD within a time frame of three years. It is a prerequisite, however, that the formal admission requirements for the PhD programme are met before appointment can be made.

Salary in accordance with the Civil Service pay grade table scale for PhD students; currently NOK 353,200 gross p.a.; following ordinary meriting regulations. Unifob AS offers Group Pension Insurance and Personnel Insurance Scheme for their employees.

For more information please contact Dr. Simon Buckley at CIPR
(simon.buckley@cipr.uib.no; +47 5558 3458).

The electronic application must contain CV, scanned copies of diplomas and transcripts, publications and other relevant work, as well as 2-3 references. The application should be
marked "Geomatics/Virtual Outcrop" and sent to post@cipr.uib.no before February 22, 2009.