Ivl

IVL SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE WITH SWEDEN’S BROADEST ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE. TOGETHER WITH INDUSTRY, PUBLIC AGENCIES, AND THE RESEARCH COMMUNITY, WE DRIVE THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY, FROM SCIENCE TO REAL-WORLD IMPACT. WE OPERATE ACROSS THE FULL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SPECTRUM, AND OUR ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANIZED INTO SEVERAL LARGER AREAS THAT BRING TOGETHER RELATED EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVES. We're currently looking for a master's student who would like to carry out their thesis project with us. This is an opportunity to work on a real-world research challenge, gain hands-on experience in applied environmental research, and collaborate with experts in the field. By doing your master's thesis at IVL, you'll gain unique insights into our research and contribute to solutions that support a more sustainable society. ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS Cities and property owners need fast, reliable facts about their sites to plan for climate adaptation, biodiversity and water management. Krontech is a research project where a practical tool is being built that turns aerial images and GIS data into clear, property-level numbers—such as how much area is green or paved, tree-canopy cover and where improvements would have the greatest effect. We already combine orthophotos, laser-scanned height models (LiDAR), NDVI and terrain data. We are also training AI segmentation models to produce detailed land-cover maps. This thesis will build on the existing models, data and mapping workflow. POSSIBLE THESIS DIRECTIONS The thesis could explore one of the following directions or a related topic developed together with the student. A. ROBUST LAND-COVER MAPPING UNDER CHALLENGING CONDITIONS – Investigate how seasons, shadows and tree canopies affect land-cover segmentation and develop methods that make the existing approach more robust. Possible approaches include multi-season imagery, shadow-aware training, additional GIS or LiDAR data, and uncertainty estimation for ground cover beneath trees. Possible research questions * How do season, shadow and tree cover affect segmentation accuracy? * Can multi-season or complementary data improve model robustness? * How can uncertainty be estimated for partly or completely hidden surfaces? B. DETAILED HARD-SURFACE MAPPING AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS – Develop a more detailed classification of hard surfaces, such as asphalt, paving stones, gravel and compacted soil. Evaluate the impact of this additional detail and its uncertainty on one or more environmental indicators, such as indicators related to urban heat, permeability or water runoff. Possible research questions * Which hard-surface types can be reliably distinguished? * What data and annotation strategy are needed? * How does a more detailed classification affect selected environmental indicators? * How do classification accuracy and uncertainty affect the reliability of these indicators? DATA YOU WILL USE The available data includes: * High-resolution orthophotos from multiple years * Existing land-cover annotations and model predictions * LiDAR-derived elevation and canopy information * NDVI and terrain data * Building, road, property and other GIS layers Access to individual datasets is subject to applicable licences and project agreements. QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate has experience in: * programming in Python * training and using neural networks Experience with computer vision, semantic segmentation, GIS, remote sensing, PyTorch, QGIS, GeoPandas, GDAL or rasterio is beneficial. SUPERVISION & COLLABORATION The thesis will be carried out in collaboration with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and the Krontech project partners. The final direction and scope will be agreed upon with the student based on their interests, available data and academic requirements. Host Organization IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Location: Stockholm/Gothenburg/Malmö Credits: 30 ECTS Group size: 1–2 students Start date: Flexible Academic supervisor/examiner: arranged with your university INTERESTED? We'd love to hear from you. Submit your application by clicking "Register your interest".

IVL SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE WITH SWEDEN’S BROADEST ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE. TOGETHER WITH INDUSTRY, PUBLIC AGENCIES, AND THE RESEARCH COMMUNITY, WE DRIVE THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY, FROM SCIENCE TO REAL-WORLD IMPACT. WE OPERATE ACROSS THE FULL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SPECTRUM, AND OUR ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANIZED INTO SEVERAL LARGER AREAS THAT BRING TOGETHER RELATED EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVES. ABOUT THE ROLE IVL’s activities in underwater acoustics are expanding through several new large-scale projects, and we are looking to strengthen our acoustics team. Depending on your interests, qualifications and experience, your work may include applying and developing methods for analysing and modelling underwater sound, planning and conducting field measurements, and contributing to research and innovation projects focused on the marine environment. We welcome applications from both early-career and experienced professionals, and the scope and level of responsibility in the role will be adapted to the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. We are looking for a colleague who can plan and coordinate field measurements of underwater sound. Depending on your previous experience, you will either develop these skills with support from experienced team members or take a leading role from the outset. The role involves extensive collaboration with clients, partners and colleagues, requiring strong organisational skills, flexibility and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders. Prior experience in underwater acoustics is not required. What matters most is a solid technical foundation and a willingness to learn. You will become part of a highly experienced team that will support your development in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. Underwater acoustics shares many principles with airborne acoustics, but it is a younger field with fewer established standards. This means that you will often need to apply sound technical judgement rather than follow fixed methods. The role offers considerable scope for creativity, supported by close collaboration within an experienced and supportive team. Much of our work focuses on solving practical technical and engineering challenges rather than purely acoustical ones. Therefore, curiosity, problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn are just as important as previous acoustics experience. Current projects include developing a new measurement system for ship underwater noise (InciteShip) and creating innovative methods for mapping underwater noise from boats in coastal environments (DEMASK). These projects combine fieldwork, advanced measurements, modelling and international collaboration. IVL is a project-oriented organisation where work is planned and executed through projects. At any given time, you will typically work in several parallel projects. You will mainly contribute to research projects, but also to commissioned assignments, often in cross-disciplinary teams. Many projects involve close collaboration with marine biologists studying the environmental effects of underwater noise. An interest in understanding and reducing these impacts is therefore important. You will be part of the Process Modelling and Digitalisation group. The underwater acoustics team is based in Göteborg and Fiskebäckskil, but for the right candidate it may be possible to be based at another IVL office. YOUR BACKGROUND You should hold at least an MSc degree in engineering, physics, oceanography, marine science or a related field. Relevant experience may include: * Acoustics * Signal processing * Programming * Marine measurements * Modelling * Environmental analysis An interest in practical fieldwork is valuable, as it is an important part of most of our underwater acoustics projects. Experience from marine environments, whether through boating, studies or professional experience, is also considered an advantage. We welcome applications from both early-career and experienced professionals: FOR A JUNIOR ROLE * Research experience is an advantage but not required. * Experience from project-based environments is beneficial. FOR A SENIOR ROLE * A PhD and documented research experience within a relevant discipline are expected. * Experience in leading research projects, coordinating work packages, participating in international collaborations and securing research funding is highly valued. We welcome English-speaking candidates. However, proficiency in Swedish is considered an advantage, particularly for external collaboration and stakeholder interactions. YOUR PERSONAL QUALITIES We place great emphasis on personal qualities. You are proactive, responsible and well structured, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Curiosity, initiative and a strong willingness to learn are essential for success in this role. Just as importantly, you will enjoy working in a positive, ambitious and collaborative team environment where people support one another and enjoy tackling new challenges together. WHAT WE OFFER YOU You will join one of the leading underwater acoustics research teams in the Nordic region, with extensive experience, strong international networks and a growing portfolio of impactful projects. At IVL, you will work in a creative, knowledge-driven environment with considerable personal responsibility and excellent opportunities for professional development. You will collaborate with experts from a wide range of disciplines and contribute to projects that support sustainable management of marine environments. We offer an inclusive and engaging workplace that values diversity, collaboration, innovation and commitment. Employees can take part in a range of social initiatives, including a sports club, an art association and other community activities. We work in modern activity-based offices and foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, flexibility and wellbeing. At IVL, sustainability is not just something we talk about, it is at the core of everything we do. WELCOME TO APPLY Submit your CV by clicking "Apply here". We review applications and conduct interviews on an ongoing basis throughout the application period, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 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