We are looking for a PhD student or Postdoctoral researcher with a background in geodesy, physics, radio astronomy, electrical engineering, data science or related fields to join the Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics (GEOGEO) of the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute for a fixed-term position from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029, or according to agreement.

The chosen candidate will join the Space Geodesy research group of the GEOGEO department, and the research will be part of the Research Council of Finland funded project “Systematic Error Elimination in VGOS for a 1-mm Accurate Terrestrial Reference Frame”. This project aims to improve the precision and reliability of VGOS geodetic products by identifying and characterizing systematic errors arising from instrumentation, data processing, and modeling. Combining simulations with analysis of real observations, the work focuses on understanding how such errors emerge and propagate through processing steps such as fringe fitting and parameter estimation. The project will develop methodologies to investigate error correlations and misattribution, and implement machine learning approaches for the automatic detection, classification, and assessment of their impact on final geodetic products.

You will
• Develop simulations of broadband VGOS data to investigate the propagation of systematic errors
• Process and analyze observed and simulated VLBI data at the fringe-fitting stage
• Apply machine learning tools to automate the detection and characterization of systematic errors
• Actively collaborate with international project partners, including medium-term research visits
• Present results at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals

Read more about FGI (https://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/en/research ) and what it’s like to work here

https://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/en/tyopaikat/toihin-paikkatietokeskukseen

We require applicants to have Master’s university degree in in geodesy, physics, radio astronomy, electrical engineering, data science or related fields.

In particular we are looking for:
• Solid skills in signal processing, statistical data analysis, or numerical methods
• Excellent programming skills
• Interest in VLBI/VGOS and space geodesy
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn machine learning methods for anomaly detection is expected, while experience with frameworks such as scikit‑learn or PyTorch is an advantage
• Scientific writing skills
• Good cooperation skills, the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and to communicate and cooperate with international collaborators.
• Fluent English skills.

We offer a flexible and responsible employer that supports the development of your knowledge and expertise and helps you balance work and free time. At the National Land Survey, we trust our employees, and we value workplace wellbeing.

The person selected for the position might need to undergo standard security clearance vetting with the applicant’s consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More detailed information on the procedure and the subject's rights is available at www.supo.fi.

Nataliya Zubko (available: 1.-3.7. and 3.-6.8.)
Research Group Manager, Dr
nataliya.zubko@nls.fi

The Registry the National Land Survey of Finland

P.O. BOX 84
00521 Helsinki

The National Land Survey produces information, services and research about the Earth. We perform cadastral surveys, maintain information about properties and dwellings, handle registrations of title and mortgages, produce map data and conduct spatial data research.

We know the Earth – we secure the future. Through our activities, we secure stability in society with reliable ownership data and strengthen overall security through reliable positioning and geospatial data. We have an active impact through research and data. We promote digitalization and develop our services together with our customers and partners. We operate responsibly taking into account the environment, the wellbeing of people, and sustainable finances.

We are a great place to work. We do interesting, varied and societally meaningful work. Our employees value flexible working methods, multilocational work, and our organizational culture based on trust and cooperation.

The Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics is responsible for the scientific basis of the national geodetic reference frames for 3D coordinates, heights and gravity. We have modern geodetic infrastructure like a network of permanent GNSS stations and Metsähovi Geodetic Research Station having all major geodetic observing systems including VLBI antenna. We are also the National Standards laboratory for geodetic Length and Acceleration of Free Fall. We do innovative research in this framework in numerous externally funded research projects. The department has two research groups: Reference Systems and Space Geodesy. The Space Geodesy research group conducts research in space geodetic techniques, including VLBI, GNSS, and satellite observations, to improve the accuracy and stability of global reference frames and Earth system monitoring.

• More information: The application can be written in English, and it must be accompanied by a motivation letter, a CV, possible list of publications, and any other attachments that the applicant wishes to be taken into account in the selection process. Please include the contact details of two referees who may be contacted to provide recommendation.
  
  The person appointed to the position/task may be required to present a drug test certificate in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life (759/2004).
• Level of position: Specialists
• Remote work: Possibility to work remotely
• Description of the remote work: Possibility for partial remote work (a few days a week).
• Reason for fixed-term employment: Nature of work
• Additional info about fixed-term employment: Project
• Working time format: Office working hours
• Working time format explanation: Flexible
• Trial period: 6 months
• Remuneration information: Salary will be based on requirement levels 8 (EUR 2821,15) to 10,5 (EUR 3832,31) of the NLS salary system, depending on the applicant’s degree and experience, plus a salary component based on personal performance, which may be a maximum of 45%. The final salary will be determined according to the person’s experience and expertise.