1. Applications are invited for a funded PhD opportunity to work on the project entitled Stratos 1 - “Space balloon launch and associated scholarship” financed by the Ministry for Equality, Research and Innovation under A Space Awareness Programme for Education and Industry in which the University of Malta is a beneficiary. The project is led by the Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy. The project is intended to educate and inform the public on the data emanating from the space balloon launch. The candidate chosen for this specific call is expected to analyse the raw data. Further information on the project may be obtained by contacting Prof. Kristian Zarb Adami by email.
   
   
2. Applicants must be registered Ph.D. students at the University of Malta. Preference will be given to candidates who have a keen interest in the area of multi-spectral image processing.
   
   
3. The selected candidate will be required to work on the project on a full-time basis till June 2024. These studies will be supported by a total of €24,000 which is to be considered as a form of allowance and will not cover all the costs attached to studying and living in Malta.
   
   
4. Candidates should submit their letter of application, a copy of their curriculum vitae, the UM acceptance letter and the principal supervisor’s endorsement. Applications should be sent by email by not later than 14 April 2023.
   Late applications will not be considered.
   
   
5. The selection procedure will involve:
   a) scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed;
   b) shortlisting;
   c) presentation; and
   c) an interview.

Terms and conditions

The award may not be held concurrently with another major award for the same purpose. The award holder may not be engaged in paid employment during the tenure of the award without first obtaining written permission from the Doctoral School. In such cases, when paid employment is allowed, this cannot exceed 19 hours per week.

The award holder will be required to sign an agreement and to provide progress reports on an annual basis (normally in May) to the Doctoral School and as required by University regulations and procedures. In June 2024, a final report must be submitted covering what has been achieved.