Science Manager (Biophysical Modeling)

TL;DR

Science Manager (Biophysical Modeling): Lead a team developing models for crop water stress, evapotranspiration, and land-surface processes using thermal infrared and multispectral satellite data with an accent on surface energy balance modeling, vegetation stress indices, and data fusion. Focus on designing and validating algorithms, driving scientific innovation, and integrating models into production systems.

Location: On-site in Luxembourg with hybrid and work-from-anywhere flexibility, including EU visa sponsorship and relocation support

Company

Hydrosat is a space and data analytics startup building an Earth Observation constellation and software to deliver high spatio-temporal resolution thermal infrared data for environmental and agri-food applications.

What you will do

• Lead a scientific team developing models for crop water stress, evapotranspiration, and land-surface processes.
• Drive innovation in biophysical modeling and ensure reproducible, high-quality scientific outputs.
• Design and validate algorithms for thermal data analysis and vegetation stress monitoring.
• Collaborate with ML, engineering, and product teams to integrate models into production.
• Review scientific methodologies and guide architecture and design decisions.
• Mentor team members and contribute to research proposals and publications.

Requirements

• Must have 10+ years experience in Earth Observation, remote sensing, or environmental modeling.
• 2+ years in technical leadership managing scientific or engineering teams.
• Master’s degree in environmental science, agronomy, physics, or related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with geospatial data processing tools (GDAL, Rasterio).
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Experience collaborating with software and data engineering teams.

Nice to have

• PhD in relevant fields.
• Experience with cloud-based environments.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications or applied research.
• Familiarity with thermal infrared data.

Culture & Benefits

• Attractive compensation and equity through stock options.
• Fast-paced startup environment with real impact and ownership.
• Hybrid work model with work-from-anywhere flexibility.
• EU visa sponsorship and relocation bonus with Luxembourg tax breaks.
• Meal vouchers provided.