Research Associate (E14, RSiM, IV-98/26)
Your responsibility
The Big Data Analytics for Earth Observation group at the Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data seeks to employ a postdoctoral researcher to work on an ERC-funded project in the field of AI Agents for Earth observation. Over the past few years, foundation models have fundamentally transformed the landscape of Earth observation, enabling effective and efficient large-scale EO data understanding. Building upon these advances, AI Agents powered by multimodal foundation models are rapidly emerging as a central paradigm for decision-making in Earth observation. The selected candidate will conduct research in generative, multimodal, and agentic AI for Earth observation. In addition, they will develop and test a vision-language agent designed to facilitate a seamless interaction with the vast Earth observation data of the satellite data archives. Using natural language or images, the agent will provide answers to specific questions on environmental and climate issues. Besides conducting research and development, the selected candidate will have duties on the coordination and management of this ERC-funded research project.
Your profile
- Successfully completed university degree (Master, Diplom or equivalent) and PhD degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or a related field.
- Strong background in one or more of the following areas: AI agents, large language models, vision-language models, multimodal learning, and generative AI. Successful applicants will be strong technically as well as have an inclination towards real-world problems.
- Scientific experience as demonstrated via relevant scientific publications and solid knowledge in theoretical and applied/practical computer science.
- Excellent programming skills (e.g., python) with experience using generative AI libraries.
- Good language skills in German and/or English are required; willingness to acquire all missing language skills
- Experience in open-source development desirable.
- Experience in project management desirable.
Salary grade: TV-L 14, Berliner Hochschulen
Starting date: June 01, 2026
Closing date: April 17, 2026
Full job posting: IV-98/26