University of Wisconsin Forest and Wildlife Ecology
This is an EXPIRED job listing. Do not apply for this position!
Position Description:
A 3-year PhD research assistantship to study the use of satellite remote sensing to monitor forests.
Forests are important society because for biodiversity conservation, and for the ecosystem services and natural resources that they provide. However, land use change, forest management practices, invasive species, and climate change are changing forests. Sustainable use of forests requires monitoring of these changes, and satellite remote sensing is a key tool for such monitoring.
Satellite remote sensing excels in monitoring where forests are, and where forest disturbance occurs. However, the monitoring of forest attributes, such as species composition and forest structure, is more challenging. New developments in remote sensing though, including the analysis of dense time series of Landsat satellite data, and the data from the recently launched Landsat 8 satellite open new opportunities for satellite remote sensing of forests, and will be the focus of this PhD research position. The analysis of Lidar, radar, and hyperspectral data may complement the Landsat-based forest monitoring, but Landsat analyses will be central. Geographically, the focus will be on Wisconsin’s forests.
Stipend/Salary:
Current annual stipend levels are $20,808 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is provided by NASA and available for three years. A start date of September of 2014 is envisioned. However, funding is in hand, and an earlier start date is an option. A later start date may be negotiable for exceptional candidates.
Qualifications:
A MS degree in geography, environmental science, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is highly desired. Applicants with a BS degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown.
A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics is required. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential.
Application Process:
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. Applications received before January 15th 2014 are guaranteed consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position to open to both US citizen and international candidates.
Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (in ONE PDF file please).
– Our departmental graduate application cover sheet
– Letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds
– Resume or CV
– Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point)
– GRE scores if available
– Reprints if available
– Names and contact addresses of three references