Information for PhD and Postdoc Applicants

Dear Prospective Candidates,

This communication provides important information about our PhD and Postdoc positions. For additional context, you may find our blog posts on this topic helpful (here for Ph.D., here for Post docs).

Research Environment

Our group maintains active collaborations with leading research institutions across Europe, the United States and India, ensuring our work has genuine international scope and impact. We expect our team members to contribute to high-impact publications in top-tier journals.

Our research has direct applications in major Italian watersheds, particularly the Po and Adige river basins. This real-world focus creates valuable connections with water management agencies, environmental consultancies, and technology companies, opening diverse career pathways beyond academia.

Working with us means joining a dynamic international network where fundamental research meets practical implementation, providing excellent preparation for careers in both academic and professional settings.

Our research directly serves major Italian watersheds, particularly the Po and Adige river basins, through partnerships with water management agencies, environmental consultancies, and technology companies but global applications can be envisioned. 

The GEOframe system is gaining widespread adoption, with implementations in significant projects by the Po River Basin Authority (AdbPo), the Province of Trento, and the Italian Ministry of Environment.

Compensation

Our compensation packages are competitive within the Italian academic context:

• PhD positions: €1,650/month net income (notably higher than most Italian PhD programs)

• Postdoc positions: €90,000-108,000/year gross salary, corresponding to €2,100-2,500/month net income including social security (values reported for postdocs are indicative subject to variation depending on the specific project and the applicant’s taxable income).

These salaries provide a comfortable standard of living in Trento and throughout Italy.

Technical Requirements

All positions require proficiency with the GEOframe system (GEOframe blog, Abouthydrology Blog).

For PhD candidates:

• Prior knowledge of GEOframe is not mandatory but highly advantageous

• Familiarity with our GEOframe Schools materials demonstrates initiative and is viewed favorably

• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R are required

For Postdoc candidates:

• Working knowledge of GEOframe (or GEOtop model) is strongly preferred

• Candidates without GEOframe experience should demonstrate concrete commitment to rapid skill acquisition

• Willing to acquire advanced programming capabilities in Java and Python are expected (Advanced knowledge in programming is highly evaluated, especially for Java) 

Distinguishing Qualifications

While we acknowledge standard competencies, the following skills set candidates apart:

Particularly valued:

• Java programming proficiency

• Experience with Java ecosystem tools (GeoTools, Maven, Gradle, Eclipse)

• Ability to integrate Earth Observation data and Machine Learning techniques specifically within GEOframe workflows

• Demonstrated capability to extend and contribute to the GEOframe architecture

Noted but not distinguishing:

• Standard hydrological modeling tools (HEC-RAS, SWAT+)

• Generic Earth Observation experience

• Basic Machine Learning knowledge

Application Process

Given the widespread use of AI tools in application preparation, shortlisted candidates should expect technical interviews to assess their actual competencies and problem-solving abilities.

We encourage candidates who align with our technical focus and research philosophy to apply. If you are interested do not hesitate to contact us.

Riccardo Rigon

Giuseppe Formetta